Hon. John Baird, Canadian Minister of the Environment (Baird.J@parl.gc.ca http://www.johnbaird.com)
We the undersigned have become aware of federal government plans, under Schedule Two of the mining effluent regulations, to allow selected lakes across Canada to become dumps for mining tailings. Four lakes in Newfoundland are already being used as dumps, and many more lakes are set to be reclassified as dumps. (CBC story on the issue - http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/06/16/condemned-lakes.html#socialcomments )
We understand that environmentalists have warned that it is not possible to completely contain the lakes and stop the effluent from draining into important fish habitats.
It is disturbing that the federal government has been trying to push these plans through without consulting the Canadian public. Already the Federal Court has been dealing with this issue and has criticized federal bureaucrats for trying to push this decision through without a proper public review. Does the mining industry hold so much power over the Canadian government, that the federal government chooses to abandon its responsibility to the citizens and make damaging decisions that favour the mining companies?
We the undersigned feel strongly about protecting Canadian lakes. There can be no compromise when it comes to the health of the vegetation, waterways, and all the living organisms that will be impacted with a decision to allow toxic chemicals to be dumped freely into lakes by mining companies (or any other industry for that matter).
We strongly urge the Federal Government to stop the current plans and to find alternative solutions for dealing with the mining waste. For example, subsidizing the building of waste containment ponds to hold the mining tailings. This may be more expensive, but our lakes and environment are priceless. Changes must be made to Schedule Two of the Fisheries Act, and any other Acts that may allow mining companies or government officials to use loopholes to pollute the environment.
We are not in the dark on this issue any longer, and we will be keeping track of the developments. Please give us some hope that the intense wishes of the Canadian people to protect their environment will win out over the powerful influence of industry.
Thank you kindly for reading this petition.
