Greens support Kelly Lake Cree call for consultation on oil and gas impacts

NEW GLASGOW – First Nations in northern Alberta shouldn’t be burdened with undue costs of oil and gas development, says the Green Party, nor should they have to resort to blockades to get a meeting with the government.

The Kelly Lake Cree Nation is threatening a blockade this month to draw attention to health and safety concerns related to oil and gas drilling on their traditional lands. The band has been involved in land claim negotiations with the federal government since 1994.

“The Green Party of Canada supports the Kelly Lake Cree and Chief Calliou in their call for consultation with the federal and provincial governments,” said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. “It is incredibly disturbing that thus far, their concerns over water quality, industrial traffic and the transport of dangerous substances through their community have been ignored.”

“The Kelly Lake Cree should not bear the burden of negative environmental impacts or health and safety risks due to exploration,” said Aboriginal Affairs critic Lorraine Rekmans. “Kelly Lake still relies on subsistence hunting and fishing and infringing on this activity is unconstitutional. Putting the community in harm’s way is irresponsible.”

The community has expressed concern about the impact of drilling and the use of heavy equipment and toxic chemicals in an area where there is no disaster preparedness plan in place in the event of an explosion or toxic leak. The community plans to establish a road blockade on Highway 2, allowing local traffic to pass but forcing oil and gas industry vehicles, contractors and employees find alternate routes.

Kelly Lake is located next to the British Columbia border, 56 kilometres south of Dawson Creek, and is a Cree-speaking community of approximately 800 Cree people.

“Federal and provincial representatives have a legal and moral duty of consultation that needs to be addressed,” said Ms. Rekmans. “Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl has a fiduciary duty to protect the health and safety of this community.”