Madam Speaker, my second petition is from Edmontonians who raise concerns to the House about proceeding with hydraulic fracturing of shale gas in the absence of any kind of proper regulatory framework. The petitioners are concerned that the process injects millions of litres of water laced with large numbers of chemicals underground, at high pressure, potentially causing environmental and health effects.
The petitioners call upon the House of Commons to entertain an in-depth analysis immediately on the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and that companies be required to publicly disclose chemicals used. The petitioners ask that a study on the risks to and effects on human health be undertaken by Health Canada, that a cross-Canada public consultation be held, and that federal legislation be reviewed, especially the Canada Water Act and the CEPA, to ensure provisions to protect water for Canadians.