Denying impact of oilsands pollution hinders prosperity

Instead of trying to discredit science, PCs must hold industry to higher standard

EDMONTON – Now that science has proven oilsands operators are polluting Alberta’s watershed, the Stelmach government must take action to ensure safer operations and the long-term prosperity of the industry, NDP environment critic Rachel Notley said today.

Research published today by Dr. David Schindler of the University of Alberta shows higher concentrations of toxins in waterways downstream of oilsands operators, over and above naturally occurring pollutants.

“As long as the PC government continues to let industry police itself we cannot be certain of the wellbeing of our waterways, and Alberta’s efforts to provide long-term prosperity and improve our environmental image will remain at risk,” Notley said.

She accused Ed Stelmach’s government of being wilfully ignorant of the impact of oilsands pollution on the environment and the economy.

“Ed Stelmach wants to keep pretending this pollution is being caused by Mother Nature. He can no longer continue to dispatch government agents into the field to try and discredit scientists like Dr. Schindler,” she said.

“He needs to face the facts and take real action to solve the problems. Ignoring them is costing Alberta jobs, damaging our reputation and our environment.”

Notley said the first step is to end the reliance on industry self-reporting and increase funding for independent water monitoring.

“The next step is to insist that industry make environmental safety the top priority as development moves ahead.”