ACTION ALERT: Tell Cabinet to Protect Teztan Biny (Fish Lake)
Say no to Taseko's Mine Proposal and Make Sure the Government Hears You!
Update:
MEDIA: Council of Canadians celebrates federal government decision on Fish Lake, Council of Canadians, November 2, 2010
The Council of Canadians is celebrating the federal government decision to reject the Prosperity mine project. The Environment Canada news release states that, “the Prosperity mine project as proposed, near Williams Lake, cannot be granted federal authorizations to proceed due to concerns about the significant adverse environmental effects of the project.”
WIN! Harper government rejects the Prosperity Mine, November 2, 2010
An Environment Canada media release issued just now states, “the Prosperity mine project as proposed, near Williams Lake, cannot be granted federal authorizations to proceed due to concerns about the significant adverse environmental effects of the project. …In making its decision, the Government of Canada took into consideration the conclusions of the report of the Federal Review Panel, and agreed with the Panel’s conclusions about the environmental impacts of the project. “
The Canadian Press reports that, “The federal government has given the thumbs down to the proposed Prosperity Gold and Copper Mine in British Columbia’s central Interior. Environment Minister Jim Prentice says the cabinet has rejected the Taseko Mines Ltd., project because of its adverse environmental impact and the damage it would cause Fish Lake and dozens of connecting streams.”
September 3, 2010
The federal government is preparing to announce its decision on Taseko's proposed 'Prosperity Mine' project as early as Friday September 10. Generations of the Tsilhqot'in people have opposed the plan for this open-pit mine and the destruction of Teztan Biny.
We are calling on all those who support indigenous rights and water justice to take action.
Taseko is currently seeking regulatory approval from the federal government to destroy Teztan Biny (Fish Lake), while developing their proposed Prosperity Mine. The copper and gold mine would operate in the heart of Tsilhqot'in territories, south-west of Williams Lake in British Columbia.
How can a mining company destroy a pristine fish bearing lake? Lakes that would normally be protected as fish habitat by the Fisheries Act can now be redefined as 'tailings impoundment areas' by Schedule 2 in the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations of the Act. An estimated 85,000 rainbow trout will have their habitat destroyed if Taskeo's project goes ahead and one of the most pristine watersheds in the country, as well as the Fraser River, will be impacted by toxic leeching.
The Tsilhqot'in Nation have clearly and collectively said 'No' to a project which would jeopardize a sacred site of great cultural and historic significance. The Tsilhqot'in communities have not given consent to the Prosperity Mine project that would be in an area of proven aboriginal rights as determined in the Supreme Court of B.C. Secwepmec communities have also expressed opposition to the development of a power line needed to develop the mine through their territories. The Canadian government continues to refuse signing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
While Taseko has clearly ignore traditional indigenous economies while trumpeting the economic benefits of this mine, they have also ignored the associated public costs. Dr. Marvin Shaffer has estimated that the provincial government would be subsidizing the project with $20 million per year for the life of the project. Tax revenues from the mine are unlikely to be more than $7.5 million. The Tsilhqot'in communities, the public, future generations and the environment stand to lose much more.
Please act today! Lakes not Toxic Dump Sites! Solidarity with the Tsilhqot'in!
E-mail and call cabinet ministers now:
- Stephen Harper (Prime Minister) - Harper.S@parl.gc.ca; (613) 992-4211 or (403) 253-7990
- Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment) - kentp@parl.gc.ca; (819) 997-1441 or (403) 216-7777
- Gail Shea (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans) - Shea.G@parl.gc.ca; (613) 992-9223 or (902) 432-6899
- John Duncan (Minister of Indian Affairs) - Duncan.J@parl.gc.ca; (613) 992-2503 or (250) 338-9381
- Tony Clement (Minister of Industry) - Clement.T@parl.gc.ca; (613) 992-5092 or (705) 746-9053
- Christian Paradis (Minister of Natural Resources) - Paradis.C@parl.gc.ca; (613) 995-1377 or (418) 338-2903
Web-links:
Read more the campaign against Schedule 2 changes to the Fisheries Act, www.canadians.org/TIA
Read Dr. Marvin Shaffer's submission to the federal review panel, www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/documents/41844/41844E.pdf
Read the Council of Canadians submission to the federal review panel, www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/documents/41940/41940E.PDF (starting at page 280), or listen www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/document-eng.cfm?document=41852 (at the 1 hour, 18 minute mark).
Watch the documentary Blue Gold: The Fight for Teztan Biny (Fish Lake), www.raventrust.com/projects/fishlaketeztanbiny/video-bluegold.html
Contact information for all cabinet ministers can be found here.
For more information please e-mail hgrewal@canadians.org or call 1-800-387-7177.
