A right-wing commentator is sounding the alarm in Fort McMurray. Ezra Levant is here to host, what he’s calling, an Emergency Town Hall meeting. He’s spreading his pro-oilsands message, and taking jabs at the NDP. He says the government can trigger a doomsday in the oilsands region.

“Fort McMurray is the punching bag for our own provincial government. I’ve pointed out the ways – higher corporate taxes, taxing anyone that makes more than $125,000 a year and the royalty review – that’s three punches to the nose of this city when the economy is in question because of low oil prices,” says Levant.

The former Sun News Network broadcaster says it’s government and policy that killed a once thriving auto industry in Detroit. He warns the ‘tragic story’ of the American city could be repeated in Fort McMurray. His presentation will show clips featuring Premier Rachel Notley and her MLAs, which he argues, is evidence that shows the government is against the oilsands.

Levant landed in Fort McMurray a day early to tour the city with Robbie Picard of the Oil Sands Action Coalition. He says the group and his own Rebel Media face the same challenges of countering big budget environmental groups such as Greenpeace. But Levant argues Greenpeace, like many others, are foreign based and paying big bucks for spokespeople.

“So they’re actors really being told what to say. So that goes to credibility and authenticity. They’re not actually speaking as ordinary Canadians they’re speaking as paid actors,” says Levant.

He’s at 7 p.m. at MacDonald Island Park. Levant is in Calgary next to make the same presentation to the public.