Canada's relationship with its natural resources has become a topic of significant debate. Critics argue that the country has developed a disdain for the labor-intensive processes involved in extracting and utilizing these resources, particularly wood and water. This sentiment echoes the views of Harold Innes, a prominent Canadian economist, who suggested that Canada’s wealth of natural resources could limit its economic potential to producing staple products like cod, beaver pelts, lumber, wheat, and hydrocarbons.

Innes highlighted the vulnerabilities of resource-dependent economies to international market fluctuations, leading to ongoing discussions about issues such as the "resource curse" and "Dutch disease." These concerns have prompted numerous efforts for economic diversification, often funded by taxpayer dollars.

Some argue that extracting resources is too simplistic and environmentally damaging. This perspective suggests that Canada should aspire to a more sophisticated economy, akin to the fictional Na’vi in the film "Avatar." However, this view overlooks the significant effort and innovation required to sustain modern society, including the extraction of essential materials and energy. For instance, artificial intelligence now consumes about 1.5% of global electricity, and producing a single Tesla battery necessitates mining over 225,000 kilograms of rock.

A prime example of this complexity is Canada’s oilsands, which contain an estimated 160 billion barrels of oil, making it the fourth-largest proven oil reserve in the world. The process of realizing the value of these resources has involved over a century of innovation and problem-solving. Earle Gray’s book, "The Great Canadian Oil Patch," details the historical context of the oilsands, noting that knowledge of these deposits dates back to early European exploration and Indigenous interactions.

In 1719, a Cree Indian named Wa-pa-su presented a sample of oil-saturated sand to trader Henry Kelsey at Fort York, describing it as a substance that flowed from the banks of the Athabasca River. Despite the intriguing nature of the McMurray Formation, extracting oil from the sands has proven challenging. The process is likened to extracting clean broth from a half-frozen can of dog food, requiring careful separation of oil from sand.

When Canada acquired Rupert’s Land in 1870, the Geological Survey of Canada began mapping the region's resources. Geologist Robert Bell recognized the potential of the oilsands and advocated for access to foreign markets through a pipeline to Hudson Bay. He envisioned that oil could be extracted from the sand using methods like boiling or macerating with hot water, a technique that has evolved over time.

Despite early efforts, including Sidney Ells’ work on using oilsands for paving in 1916, the development of this resource has faced numerous challenges. Alberta’s Karl Adolf Clark also contributed to the research, but disagreements between federal and provincial researchers have complicated progress. The ongoing development of the oilsands remains a critical issue for Canada, reflecting the broader conversation about the country’s natural resources and economic future.