CBC Archives

Ask students to discuss events that show a philosophy of working for others, where people do something for the good of others. These events might be from the news (a hostage rescue, the life of Mother Teresa) or from personal experience (packing food at a food bank). Then ask them to identify events where a single person works toward something and is rewarded with success (a doctor who receives a Nobel Prize for medical work, a student who gets a scholarship).

Have students compare these types of events and come up with their own philosophy of one person’s obligation toward other people. Students can write their philosophy in their journal and those who wish to can share it with the class.

Have students view Clips #3, 6, and 7 on the Alberta’s Oil Economy topic on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Through these clips, and those in Additional Clips, students will witness the debate between Premier Peter Lougheed and Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the creation of the National Energy Program (NEP), and the establishment of Canada’s own oil company.

After viewing, students will write a persuasive essay to answer the following question: Should the development of the non-renewable natural resources of one province be limited to enhance the industrial development of the other provinces? Students should clearly state their position and support it with at least three arguments.

Once the persuasive essays have been completed, have some students read their essay to the class. Generate a discussion about the pros and cons of each position and, in the discussion, indicate what actually happened as a result of the energy debate.

Students can search the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site for other situations where economic development of one portion of the country is affected by Federal Government intervention (the Auto Pact, free trade, the creation of Nunavut, the Berger Inquiry). Have them compare one of these situations to the Alberta Oil Industry debate and draw conclusions about the federal government’s attitude toward the rights of individual provinces.