The oil sands are making money for Canada, and housing prices are not affected by the U. S. mortgage problems. Living costs are increasing.
Alberta is still booming, but reasonable housing is scarce, even finding a doctor if one is new to Alberta, is difficult. In spite of the money collected by Alberta in taxes, etc., on the oil sands, hospitals, medical facilities and personnel and mass transportation need extensive additions.

The oil sands are a close and stable source of North American oil. For Canada, the money is desirable but those monster holes and loss of boreal forest are taking a toll on the environment. Much water is needed to process the oil sands. Some aquifers are being contaminated. Little is being planned to restore the environment.

Albertans in the oil sands region are beginning to feel like the Appalachian dwellers who are impacted by coal mining.

Saskatchewan and the Bakken Formation may soon tread the same path.