The Government of Alberta faces a narrow and critically important window of opportunity to raise the bar on oilsands development. While there are new plans and frameworks in development that strive to use a cumulative e ects management approach to balance economic development opportunities and social and environmental considerations, we question if the emphasis placed on these considerations is capable of achieving the environmental outcomes consistent with the expectations of Albertans and Canadians. It is time to set higher standards and improve the rules governing oilsands development.