prediction : political : NOW THAT GWB KNOWS HOW MUCH OIL IS IN ALBERTA, WHAT WILL HE DO? [+] ballot by ABC created Mon Jul 11, 05 Fort McMurray Today — A visit to the oilsands proved to be eye-opening for U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, as he toured the region with federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale Friday. While Snow was aware of the oilsands, he said he didn’t realize how big the enterprise is until he saw it for himself during a helicopter and bus tour. “I’m going to talk to ... the president (George W. Bush) and vice-president (Dick Cheney) about this trip and tell them about the huge potential that exists here. I hadn’t realized until these briefings I’ve had, just how vast these facilities are and what potential they have for the future,” Snow said. “This is just a phenomenal natural resource asset and the United States and Canada are terrific allies. We’re delighted to see this terrifically important resource being developed. It goes directly to the issue of energy security and we in the United States are working to make ourselves more energy secure.” The oilsands are booming, but Fort McMurray is struggling to keep up with the strain on its infrastructure, municipal officials have said repeatedly as they lobbied the province for money. When asked whether or not the region would receive additional federal funding for infrastructure, Goodale was vague. “We have invested over the last number of years about $12 billion in a whole variety of national infrastructure initiatives and those will obviously continue into the future ... When they come up for renewal, they will be renewed long term into the future,” Goodale said. The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, was also along for the tour, which included an hour in the air and a trip around the Millennium Mine at Suncor Energy. Representatives from Suncor, Syncrude Canada and Albian Sands were present. After the visit to Fort McMurray on Friday morning, they headed back to Calgary for more discussions. The U.S. is not overly concerned about expanding Chinese investment in the Canadian oilsands, potentially diverting production away from traditional North American markets, Snow said in Calgary. ‘‘Canada will, I’m sure, make a considered judgment ... through its review process,’’ said Snow. ‘‘So no, I’m not concerned.’’ Chinese investment in the North American energy sector is a growing political issue in the United States. In Canada, Chinese companies have begun making investments in the oilsands, where production is expected to triple over the next decade from its current output of one million barrels per day. Goodale said Ottawa is looking at amending the Investment Canada Act, that provides for a review of all foreign investment coming into the country. Invade, trying to establish a stable Democracy Say Canada has WMDs, invade, change reason 7 times Has nothing to do with oil. Get over it. Ballot #77105 : SEE RESULTS Comment: show your vote with comment?

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