The Toronto Sun and Sun Media across Canada reported on Friday that, “First Nations and environmental groups are calling for a halt to any new oilsands developments until further study can be done to determine the health impacts on drinking water.”
“The First Nations groups, which are being supported by the Council of Canadians and Environmental Defence, also say their way of life is being threatened because of rising toxins in local fish stocks.”
“The community of about 1,200 says their water is being polluted by oilsands developments downstream of the Athabasca River, which empties into the lake.”
George Poitras of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Mike Mercredi of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Aaron Freeman of Environmental Defence, and Council of Canadians Board member Steven Shrybman spoke at a media conference on Thursday morning in Ottawa.
A House of Commons committee examining the impact of the tar sands and water will hold special hearings in Edmonton on May 11-13, and also go to Fort Chipewyan.
Steven Shrybman will be presenting to the House committee on behalf of the Council of Canadians when it continues its hearings in Ottawa.
The full article is at http://m.torontosun.com/9385521.1#news
