1) What new information or knowledge did you learn from this presentation?

I learned that the Canol Pipeline was a result of massive wartime industrialization and was initiated by the US war department in 1942 and construction began in 1943. It was a pipeline to carry crude oil across 800 km across rough terrain in the Mackenzie mountains. The pipeline ran for only 15 months due to permafrost, construction faults, logistical problems, fluctuating oil prices and the end of the war. Despite this, the project was described in a celebratory narrative of technological prowess, engineering ingenuity, that was common in the post WWII era and a depiction od Canada’s sovereign right to claim and manage northern lands in the name of economic gain and progress.

While much of the infrastructure was dismantles upon the pipeline being shut down, sections of pipeline, pump stations, access roads, telegraph lines, maintenance camps, emergency shelters, and transport vehicles still exist on the landscape. In 2007 the federal government listed the Canol pipeline trail under the contaminated sites program and soon after the Shutagot’ine Trail Remediation Project was initiated (2009). The goal was to reduce environmental and human health risk associated with the abandoned pipeline and associated infrastructure. This included removal of batteries, excavation of contaminated soils, removal of fuels in tanks and removal of telegraph lines and older buildings.

2) Are there particular aspects of the presentation you enjoyed or intrigued you and are there others that could have been improved?

I thought that Dr. Sinead Earley did a great job of presenting. Her presentation was interesting, well laid out, and visually engaging. The pictures in her slides were helpful in understanding the presentation content and kept me interested in her presentation. I also really appreciated the video at the end.

3) Are there components of the research that would be applicable or relevant to your own

Master’s research?

I thought it was interesting when Dr. Sinead Earley mentioned the importance of asking “When looking at development or remediation it is important to ask for whom and by whom, and where and with whom do the benefits and the burden lie”. This is a great question for anybody to ask when taking on a project. In my research I am prioritizing land for conservation. In asking “for whom and by whom” I think it is important to protect the land for both the people and the environment. Whereas I am looking at protecting important areas for preservation of biodiversity it is also important in conservation planning to incorporate social values. There should be input from stakeholders including locals as well as first nations to identify areas of importance for them that also may be included in the conservation area design. In this way, the project is “for everyone and by everyone”. When asking where the benefits and burdens lie, I have to think about what the implications are of removing parts of the landbase from resource extraction/industry. For example, if my study area receives protection, what does that mean for the economy of the neighbouring communities? It can be difficult to find a balance between environmental, socio-cultural and economic values but one must attempt to weigh these.

4) How well did the speaker respond to questions and is there a question you would have asked given the opportunity?

I thought that Dr. Sinead Earley responded to questions well. She clearly really enjoyed her research and journey and was eager to share the information she has with others. I liked the question and idea of the old road being transformed into a heritage recreational trail. I think it is a great way to remediate the site and keep the history of the project alive.

I had no questions for Dr. Sinead Earley.