Activists say the ruling sets a landmark legal precedent that clears the way for Dutch-based companies to be sued for alleged negligence of their subsidiaries abroad.
Banfirst came into force when oil shortages were commonplace 40 years ago — a stark contrast to today's U.S. glut, thanks to fracking in operations in Texas and North Dakota.
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers has estimated the downturn has slashed 40,000 jobs in the sector, mostly in Alberta, and has urged political leaders to keep competitiveness top priority.
Suncor Energy took a $4.5-billion all-stock offer directly to shareholders on Oct. 5 after attempts at inking a friendly deal were rebuffed by COS leadership in the spring.
More than a dozen cars jumped track on Sunday and punctured one car, spilling hundreds of gallons of oil and forcing the evacuation of a nearby neighbourhood.