"It's time to have an honest discussion about the economic risks and liabilities of oilsands development, instead of just focusing on the short-term economic benefits," said the report's lead author, Nathan Lemphers, a policy analyst for the Pembina Institute. "It's not acceptable that Alberta taxpayers could be left holding the bag for future oilsands mine cleanup."

The report shows that a conservative estimate to clean up the current land area disturbed by mining (more than 68,574 hectares) puts costs at up to $15 billion, but the Alberta's Environmental Protection Security Fund holds just $820 million.

A June 2010 Cambridge Strategies poll shows almost all Albertans (96 per cent) agree companies operating in the oilsands should be held responsible for all environmental damages caused by their operations.

The report prompted an acknowledgement from the Alberta government that oil company payments into Alberta's security fund may increase. "At the end of the day, our goal is the same as what we see in this report. It's that we need to make sure that we have a program in place that ensures that Albertans aren't stuck footing the bill for any reclamation," stated Alberta Environment spokesperson Chris Bourdeau.