GR: The study shows that byproducts of oil sand processing are poisoning wildlife.
Source Vancouver Observer
By Mychaylo Prystupa
Syncrude and Suncor oil sands bitumen processing facilities near Fort McMurray, Alberta by Andrew S. Wright
“Two northern Alberta First Nations downstream of massive oil sands smoke plumes and tailing ponds released a human health study Monday, implicating the growth of the industry to many serious Aboriginal health concerns, including cancer.
“The worry? Oil sands pollution is contaminating their wild food.
“I don’t know what it is that they’re hiding. What’s causing these cancers? Why is it so hard that they cannot take it out of their production, so it’s not hurting anyone or killing anyone?” asked Chief Steve Courtereille of the Mikisew Cree First Nation at an Edmonton press conference.
“The new scientific study states the region’s “country food” contains elevated levels of toxic metals and carcinogens, that members of the Mikisew Cree and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations traditionally eat.
“But recent fears that oil sands pollution is contaminating the food, has led fewer people to eat it.
“The research was partly funded by Health Canada and reviewed by federal scientists.