James Cameron visits the oil sands
The big-budget director spent three days touring, and tearing apart, Alberta's blockbuster industry
Mr. Cameron, who recognizes there is apprehension about 'drive-by environmentalism,' urged Alberta to consider the environmental pressures the multibillion-dollar industry is putting on the province, pointing to the polluted Athabasca River in particular: 'I can't imagine being told by mom I can't swim in the river.'JOHN LEHMANN
Film director James Cameron, centre, tours the Syncrude Canada Bill's Lake mine reclamation site, with industry and provincial officials and reporters, north of Fort McMurray, Alberta.John Ulan
The director of blockbusters Avatar and Titanic said he'd consider doing a documentary or film about the oil sands, aspects of which he called 'appalling' and 'horrible.'JOHN LEHMANN
Mr. Cameron, joined by Assembly of First Nations chief Shawn Atleo, called for greater inclusion of aboriginals in deliberations on the environmental and economic aspects of the oil industry.JOHN LEHMANN
Mr. Cameron's visit included face time with Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, who offered a plain-dealing assessment of the Hollywood heavyweight: 'He is a person that bridges both business and culture, and his views on Alberta and the oil sands - like them or not - will be listened to by many.'JOHN LEHMANN
Film director James Cameron tours the Syncrude Canada Bill's Lake mine reclamation site, north of Fort McMurray, Alta., on Sept. 28, 2010.John Ulan