A Canadian government investigation into water pollution from the oil sands has been terminated without explanation, according to a recent report.
The 18-month probe was conducted by federal Tories and opposition MPs. No reason has been given for the cancellation. And politicians in the standing committee on environment have decided to destroy draft copies of the final report, a Tuesday Montreal Gazette story reads.
The decision was made in a closed-door meeting on June 17. Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia has accused Stephen Harper’s Conservative government of “constant denial and foot-dragging” on oil sands pollution issues.
Meanwhile, Tory MP James Bezan maintained the investigation was worthwhile, claiming important information was made public.
MPs on the committee had traveled so far to Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray to hear testimony from expert witnesses.
In late 2008, a multi-stakeholder committee that advised the federal government on changes to the Environmental Assessment Act was apparently disbanded.
And under Harper's leadership, recent changes to another advisory committee may increase the risk of oil spills on the B.C. coast.
Geoff Dembicki reports for the Tyee.
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CanadianLatitude
1 year ago
Chairman Harper is from
Chairman Harper is from Oilberta so do we need to say anymore?
morechatter
1 year ago
Its all about Canadians futures
Its not surprising Feds have decided against an inquiry as its risky business to say the least. As Feds heavily invest CPP funds in a Tar Sands operation as Canadians now own 1/3 shares. So what does that mean for the futures of Canadians as western producer is swamped with rain as tar sands takes it toil on the environment? The western producer isn't going to be able to fill that big order of wheat to China while prices climb at home. And last but not least its speaks volumes about the future of the Conservatives, the party dosen't have one either.
freebear
1 year ago
Petro State
Oil is king!
morechatter
1 year ago
Petro Canada
Jump to the pump! I worked for Western Grain Stabilization for the Western Producer and for Petro Canada in the boom years a few years back and Oil has always been King of the land there is no mistaking that as the King is really the dirty rotten rascal.
Fiat lux
1 year ago
The same cancellation of the
The same cancellation of the inquiry into the effects of uranium mining happened here in BC, once the government realized that it could and would bring up some damaging facts.
To the best of my recollection, all the research and the library of the inquiry have been destroyed by the, I believe still, the Bennett govt.
Ed Deak.
Sask Resident
1 year ago
Povincial Responsibility
Water is a provincial responsibility, just like forestry and gold. The feds monitor the water quantity and quality for fisheries reasons, but the province determines the requirements. Alberta does a good job of ensuring that water quality objectives are met, regardless of what NGOs in Washington and Toronto claim.
G West
1 year ago
Gold is a provincial responsibility?
That's really interesting Sask Resident.
Perhaps you'd care to address Encana's record in terms of protecting water quality.
http://dogwoodinitiative.org/media-centre/news-stories/benzene_seeps_into_drinking_water_-_encana
Alberta does a good job of looking after the oil industry's interests.
I'd suggest neither you nor Ed Stelmach and certainly not Pee Wee Rambo want to GO THERE.