"Since 2005, Environment Canada has announced that 14 lakes and streams are slated to become dump sites for the disposal of environmentally toxic mine waste “tailings”. Two lakes have already been destroyed and eight more natural water bodies are being decided on this year!
The government needs to hear from Canadians that the use of natural, fish-bearing waters as mine dumps is not acceptable!
Please let Loyola Hearn (Fisheries and Oceans Minister), John Baird (Environment Minister) and your local MP know about your concerns for the future of Canada’s lakes and streams. Write, e-mail, or fax them and tell them that NO more Canadian lakes and streams should be used for tailing dumps. Please also send a copy of your message to MiningWatch. Contact information and a sample letter can be found below:
Honorable Loyola Hearn
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
e-mail: min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Fax: 613-990-1866
The Honourable John Baird
Minister of the Environment
Les Terrasses de la Chaudière
10 Wellington Street, 28th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3
e-mail: John.Baird@ec.gc.ca
Fax: 819-953-0279
The fate of many of these lakes has yet to be decided, however there is currently a strong bias within the government towards allowing the use of water bodies to receive mine wastes. Environment Canada staff have told MiningWatch that this is not only an appropriate action, but in some cases it is the “best solution” for dealing with mine wastes. It is now critical that Canadians weigh in to stop the destruction of more of our precious water resources.
For more information contact Catherine Coumans at (613) 569-3439 or catherine(at)miningwatch.ca or Ramsey Hart (ramsey(at)miningwatch.ca).
Sample Letter to Ministers Hearn and Baird
Dear Ministers Baird and Hearn,
Like most Canadians I am very concerned about the conservation of our precious freshwater resources. In a number of public statements you and Prime Minister Harper have said that you share my concern and expressed your commitment to protecting our fresh water and aquatic ecosystems.
I find the practice of using natural water bodies as dumping areas from mine wastes a disturbing contradiction of Canadian interests and values, and of the governments stated commitments to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Given that alternative methods of dealing with mining waste are available and are currently used in Canada and elsewhere, I would respectfully insist that you fulfil your obligations and stated commitment to protecting our freshwater and aquatic ecosystems by ending the use of natural water bodies as “tailings impoundment areas”.
Sincerely,"
All information thanks to www.miningwatch.ca
Dear Ministers Baird and Hearn,
Like most Canadians I am very concerned about the conservation of our precious freshwater resources. In a number of public statements you and Prime Minister Harper have said that you share my concern and expressed your commitment to protecting our fresh water and aquatic ecosystems.
I find the practice of using natural water bodies as dumping areas from mine wastes a disturbing contradiction of Canadian interests and values, and of the governments stated commitments to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Given that alternative methods of dealing with mining waste are available and are currently used in Canada and elsewhere, I would respectfully insist that you fulfil your obligations and stated commitment to protecting our freshwater and aquatic ecosystems by ending the use of natural water bodies as “tailings impoundment areas”.
Sincerely,
