The recently leaked January 2014 RCMP report, “Criminal Threats to the Canadian Petroleum Industry,” incorrectly names Tides Canada as a part of an “anti-Canadian petroleum movement” involving violent extremist and criminal activity. The report also minimizes the threat posed by climate change and questions the link between greenhouse gas emissions and the continued use of fossil fuels. The report is based on patently false and biased information. We have registered our concerns with RCMP Commissioner Paulson in the following letter from Tides Canada President & CEO Ross McMillan.
February 26, 2015
Mr. Robert Paulson
Commissioner
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP National Headquarters
73 Leikin Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2
Dear Commissioner:
I am writing to you regarding the recently leaked RCMP report, “Criminal Threats to the Canadian Petroleum Industry,” that named Tides Canada as part of an organized movement that opposes the petroleum industry. I wish to express our grave concern that the RCMP would produce a document asserting that Tides Canada, a respected Canadian charity, is associated with a movement involving violent extremist and criminal activity.
For the record, Tides Canada has not taken a stand against the petroleum industry. Our organization’s overarching position relating to climate and energy issues is that the country needs to transition to a low-carbon future while meeting our commitments to address climate change. We also believe that all voices should be involved in related public policy dialogue.
Tides Canada, in its 15-year history, has earned a reputation for building bridges between and among sectors to address complex environmental and social problems. Our ability to bring together diverse voices to develop durable solutions that support the environmental, social, and economic well-being of Canadians is at the heart of our success as a charity. We have a proven track record of working collaboratively with all stakeholders – including all levels of government – and building consensus on environmental and social issues of importance to Canadians.
The RCMP report leads the reader to a very different, and wholly erroneous, perception of Tides Canada. It uses biased and patently wrong information to make its case. The report’s broad brush and false depiction of Tides Canada as a key player in a nefarious movement is demeaning to your organization and a disservice to Canadians and the truth.
Could you please provide me with an explanation of how the RCMP produced a document with assertions about Tides Canada so biased and false?
I would welcome the opportunity at any time to discuss with the RCMP Tides Canada’s work.
Sincerely,
Ross McMillan
President and CEO
