OTTAWA — Chiefs of First Nations affected by leaks of oilsands wastewater have testified before a House of Commons committee, where they excoriated Alberta over how it regulates energy development.
Their testimony came hours after federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault announced the first step toward an improved reporting process for environmental emergencies.
The House of Commons Environment and Sustainability Committee is hearing testimony regarding releases from tailings ponds that weren't made public for nine months.
Six First Nations leaders say the problem goes far deeper than a communications issue over a single leak.
They say the Alberta Energy Regulator is a captured agency that constantly favours industry and is concerned more about industry's reputation than its environmental effects.
They described repeated concerns over how the cumulative impacts from the oilsands may be affecting their health.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2023.
The Canadian Press
