Media Alert-Alberta Oilsands: Two Sides of the Debate

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 18, 2012) - One of Canada's most contentious issues will be examined from different viewpoints by a high-profile association official and a distinguished academic. Engineer Greg Stringham will discuss the benefits of the oilsands to Canada while Andrew Miall will focus on environmental management of the resource. Scientific and engineering aspects will be assessed, as well as the potential impact on the environment.

Stringham is vice president, markets and oil sands, at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers while Miall is a geology professor at the University of Toronto and a co-author of the Joint Canada/Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring, released on February 3, 2012.

More than 200 engineers, energy professionals and members of the public have registered for the event. The discussion is presented by the West Toronto Chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario, with co-sponsorship from the Ontario Centre for Engineering and Public Policy and Young Professionals in Energy.

When: Thursday, April 19, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: JJR Macleod Auditorium (MS 2158) Medical Science Building, University of Toronto (1 King's College Circle)

About the Ontario Centre for Engineering and Public Policy

The Ontario Centre for Engineering and Public Policy (OCEPP), the only institute of its kind in Canada, is committed to encouraging Ontario's more than 80,000 professional engineers and engineering interns to become more involved in public policy formation and review. The centre focuses on issues including engineering licensure and regulation, smart infrastructure, tomorrow's energy solutions, and healthy communities. OCEPP was founded by Professional Engineers Ontario in June 2008.

About Professional Engineers Ontario

Through the Professional Engineers Act, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) governs more than 80,000 licence and certificate holders and regulates professional engineering in Ontario to serve and protect the public. Professional engineering safeguards life, health, property, economic interests, the public welfare and the environment. Professional engineers can be identified by the P.Eng. after their names.

With almost 3,000 members, the West Toronto Chapter is one of PEO's 36 chapters across the province that aim to promote and enhance understanding within society of the engineering profession. Additional information on the chapter is available at www.westtoronto.peo.on.ca.