Incumbent Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach (2006–) says that he “doesn’t need to tell” the Fort McMurray business community how their support for the Athabasca oil sands is key to the economies of Alberta and Canada. He then announces to citizens of the city and the province that it is their responsibility to supply energy to the world. Much government and industry rhetoric about tar sands development frames facts in the form of proclamations: barrels of oil produced, capital invested, jobs created, royalties paid, and global obligations. Government accounts emphasize how politicians are managing the oils sands as a public resource, in conjunction with citizens; the results and the burdens shared equitably for the public good. Huge corporate profits are seldom mentioned, nor are the actual government and corporate decision-makers revealed. Rather, decisions and actions driving oil sands investment and expansions are presented as abstract forces, such as global consumer demand for oil, the free market, and economic globalization. The role of government, if there is one, is to nurture a fledgling but vital industry, by providing infrastructure and economic subsidies to meet a unique investment “moment.” In exchange, global corporations will develop the crown resources in the interest of the public. Albertans, and especially outsiders, dare not interfere with the market (or the pace of development) because oil sands growth ensures Canada’s place in the global economy. Indeed, the world is depending on the people of McMurray.