As a Canadian, I was pleased to see your July 22 article “South Portland approves law barring tar sands oil.” It’s a point of view that we don’t often see published in Canada. The Canadian government prevents its own scientists from speaking about their research findings – findings that highlight the environmental degradation and excessive carbon dioxide production caused by tar sands development.

Recent polls in Canada suggest that Canadians are increasingly unhappy with expanded tar sands development because of its environmental degradation and the unbalanced effect on our planetary climate.

The current Canadian government attempts to suppress these indicators, even as it champions special interest groups.

There are many Canadians who concur with the position of South Portland, yet our voices are suppressed. To the people of South Portland, thank you.

Rex Woollard

Ottawa, Ontario