Global Courant 2023-04-17 20:55:00
Chiefs of First Nations hit by oil sands sewage spills have testified before a House of Commons committee, where they castigated Alberta over how it regulates energy development.
Their testimony came hours after Federal Environment Secretary Steven Guilbeault announced the first step toward an improved reporting process for environmental emergencies.
The House of Commons Environment and Sustainability Committee hears testimony about tailings pond discharges that went undisclosed for nine months.
Six First Nations leaders say the problem goes much deeper than a communication problem over a single leak.
They say the Alberta Energy Regulator is a captive agency that constantly favors the industry and is more concerned about the industry’s reputation than its environmental impact.
They described repeated concerns about how the cumulative effects of the oil sands could affect their health.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on April 17, 2023.
