CBC Archives

As a class, view the titles of the clips on the Berger Pipeline Inquiry topic on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. If you cannot arrange for whole-class viewing, post a written list of the clip titles. Ask students to categorize the clips according to whose opinions and views are presented. Then view together, or arrange for all students to view, the higher-numbered clips to find out what recommendations Berger made in his report. Make a class list of the recommendations which students can use for reference.

Divide the class into groups, giving each group several clips to view in depth. Have students view their clips and explain how each recommendation would impact the people or groups who are described in their clips. Students should record their information on an organizer such as a table or visual display that links groups with effects.

Have students share their work, then create a class organizer that outlines the report’s recommendations and how each recommendation impacts the various key figures involved.

Ask students to write an opinion paper describing who they think gains the most from the report and why, supporting their paper with details from the clips they viewed and from the class discussion and organizer.

Students can write a short essay explaining why they, in the region where they live, would benefit from the building of the pipeline. Alternatively, they can choose a region of Canada different geographically, or in size or population and write a short essay of the benefits of the pipeline to that area. Students can read one another’s essays to compare perceptions of the project’s benefits to various areas of the country.