Evidence of meeting #27 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was community.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Physician, As an Individual
I think there is enough of a strong indicator that it begs investigation. But I'm not an expert; I can't say for sure.
Conservative
Mark Warawa Conservative Langley, BC
I want to touch quickly on your trip with Greenpeace. You were quoted in the Tar Sands Watch as saying, “I am particularly struck by the lack of knowledge and high level of interest in Scandinavia about human health problems linked with tar sand development.”
In that statement, you are providing a direct link to tar sands and health concerns. Now I'm hearing that you're not certain.
Physician, As an Individual
No, I believe I said “that are possibly linked” with tar sands development.
Conservative
Mark Warawa Conservative Langley, BC
Well, the quote they had is “human health problems linked with tar sand development”. Was that a misquote?
Conservative
Mark Warawa Conservative Langley, BC
Okay.
Were you aware when you went with Greenpeace that you were part of a 10-day delegation and that their purpose was to pressure the Norwegian government to not have participation in the oil sands?
Physician, As an Individual
I believe that was Greenpeace's intent in going to Scandinavia. My purpose in going there was to highlight the concerns that have arisen as a result of the findings downstream, the concern of the peoples across northern Canada. Also, and I've said this very clearly to them, there have been silver linings to this cloud of the tar sand development. A lot of members of the communities would not have had the ability to earn the types of incomes they have had. That is a kind of good—
Conservative
Mark Warawa Conservative Langley, BC
I'm sorry to interrupt, Doctor, but my time is limited.
When you were in Scandinavia, in the message they heard, did you bring up pulp mills and industry along the river, or was it mainly focused at the tar sands?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
Your time has expired, and we have to adjourn.
I want to thank both witnesses, Mr. Nikiforuk and Dr. O'Connor, for appearing today and sharing your testimony. We'll definitely make use of it as we work towards putting together a report on behalf of the committee.
Mr. Warawa.
Conservative
Mark Warawa Conservative Langley, BC
Chair, we've handed out an information package to the committee for Nahanni. Could it be passed out before we adjourn?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
We'll make sure it is circulated and that all committee members have the information packet.
With that, can I have a motion to adjourn?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
It is moved by Mr. Watson.
We are out of here. The committee is adjourned.
