NOVEMBER 16: Tailings and A Just Transition
Keepers of the Water is collaborating with the Edmonton Council of Canadians Chapter to educate the public about an imminent and serious threat to the Athabasca River.
Industry and government are using the massive and growing volume of the tailings ponds as justification for a new set of regulations – regulations which could allow for tailings pond water to be treated and released into the Athabasca River.
Water quality is already degrading downstream of the tar sands. While dumping might cost industry less than other tailings treatment options, it will have a dangerous impact on the water and downstream communities and ecosystems.
We are planning a series of free, public symposia from 7 – 9 pm on the following dates:
October 5: Tailings: Past and Present
October 26: Indigenous Rights, Knowledge, and Tailings
November 16: Tailings and A Just Transition
The symposia will feature speakers with knowledge of tailings technology, history, ecology, Indigenous culture, and the lived experience of communities impacted by the tailings ponds. These sessions will take place in person at the University of Alberta Telus Centre and will be broadcast on Zoom.
We hope you will join us - please mark the dates on your calendars!
Environmental organizations and Indigenous communities are adamant that industry lobbying and government regulators be held accountable for delaying regulatory action and creating the dire situation we are now in. There is a clear record of decades of inaction by both industry and the Alberta Government in particular. Even when regulations are put in place, they have been ignored by industry and not enforced by government regulators.
The potential consequences of inaction are huge. In addition to the impacts on the Athabasca River, a team of UNESCO investigators was recently in Alberta assessing potential environmental risks that could threaten the World Heritage Site status of Wood Buffalo National Park.
Now is the time to raise public awareness and take action around this important issue, before government and industry can quietly announce unethical, undemocratic regulation changes that favour industry profit over the environment and people.
Please join us for these important and informative presentations!
More details to come as each symposium approaches.
Hope to see you there!