In this clip, political economist Gordon Laxer explains how big oil influenced and funded extremist movements like the Freedom Convoy to help stir up support for their industry.

“You remember Tamara Lich, one of the leaders of the convoy? Remember her in court and she had that t-shirt on that said ‘I love oil and gas.’ That again came out of these astroturf groups that big oil created and supported, and they were using these fake nationalist groups to put down their opponents.”

Gordon Laxer (PhD) is a political economist, professor emeritus and founding Director of Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta. Gordon is author of two award winning books. He has edited four other books and published over 50 peer-reviewed publications.

Laxer’s report, How Big Foreign Oil Captures Energy and Climate Policy is available here.

This is a clip from rabble’s most recent live politics panel: Off the Hill: Corporate interference and the climate crisis. The panel featured guests MP Leah Gazan, political economist Gordon Laxer and climate and housing justice activist Diana Yoon. Hosted by Robin Browne and Libby Davies.

Off the Hill is a fast-paced live panel on current issues of national significance, hosted by Robin Browne and Libby Davies. This series focuses on the impact politics and policy have on people and on ways to mobilize to bring about progressive change in national politics — on and off the hill. To support Off the Hill, visit rabble.ca/donate.