Water

The Tse Keh Nay (Takla, Tsay Keh Dene, and Kwadacha First Nations) have called on the Prime Minister and Premier of B.C. to involve First Nations more substantively in decisions about mining developments. In a letter to the Prime Minister and Premier, they say they will participate in the joint Federal-Provincial Panel on the proposed Kemess North Mine, in Tse Keh Nay Territory, B.C., but it will be under protest.

The amended Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMERs) have been published in the Canada Gazette Part One, and the public comment period has closed. They will become final when published in the Canada Gazette Part Two.

One of the amendments to the MMERs adds two lakes in Newfoundland to Schedule 2, which redefines them as mine waste dumps (for environmentally toxic tailings). Both lakes currently provide habitat for trout and Atlantic salmon as well as otter and other species.

VANCOUVER - Sierra Legal Defence Fund today announced that, on behalf of MiningWatch Canada, it has launched a lawsuit challenging a federal government approval of the Red Chris mine proposed in northern British Columbia.

Comments prepared by Catherine Coumans as representative for the Canadian Environmental Network (CEN) on the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations Multistakeholder Advisory Group, together with Maggie Paquet (Citizens’ Stewardship Coalition, Port Alberni, BC), Judy Parkman (Recycling Organization Against Rubbish, Richmond, BC) and Randy Fleming (Inter-Church Uranium Committee, Saskatoon, SK). “The current regulations and the proposed regulatory amendments do not adequately protect the environment and the health of Canadians.