The Boreal Forest Network and the Council of Canadians are calling upon the Ontario and Manitoba governments to fund the Experimental Lakes Area.
A letter sent from the groups today states: "Sadly our federal government is failing in its responsibility to foster credible scientific research to base decisions affecting our water, environment and climate. For this reason we look to your governments to fulfill this critical role. The lakes are located in Ontario and the Freshwater Institute is located in Manitoba. Each province would need to contribute $1 million annually until federal funding is re-instated." The groups are asking for a three year minimum commitment.
The groups point to the critical research being conducted at the ELA on climate change, fish populations and the health of lakes which they say "is sorely needed for long term water and energy strategies as well as ecosystems protection."
The letter urges the two governments to fund the ELA to keep the research program public: "Right now, ELA belongs to the people of Canada. The science is done in the public interest. The scientists are public servants. The data are public. The science responds to government priorities and feeds into public policy. Once ELA is sold to whoever might be the buyer, the role of ELA in Canadian society will undoubtedly change. It is critical the ELA remain within public hands."
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