The Investigation Begins...

Finally…

After years of lobbying by residents and medical observers, the unusually high levels of cancer and rare cancers in Fort Chipewyan will be investigated by the provincial and federal governments. Fort Chipewyan, located 300 km north of Fort McMurray on Lake Athabasca, had witnessed unusually high cancer rates and types in its predominately aboriginal population for more than a decade. Along with these unusual occurrences within the human population, deformities and unusual deaths were reported among the wildlife population as well. According to accounts by its residents, these events began to occur soon after oil companies began to set up operations on the southwestern tip of Lake Athabasca, upstream from Fort Chipewyan. Many speculated that oil companies were dumping waste in Lake Athabasca this resulted in the disease and death. However these accusations were downplayed or dismissed by the Alberta Progressive Conservative Government, and they also rejected any sort of thorough investigation into a potential cancer cluster in Fort Chipewyan. In fact the provincial government created its own 'report' claiming that cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan were not unusual and were similar to any other place in Alberta. They also attempted to silence independent medical experts calling for an investigation, such as Dr. John O’Connor. In recent years the issue began to receive greater national and international attention, and with new studies revealing high levels of toxins and carcinogens in Lake Athabasca and dependent wildlife, the government could no longer maintain its position. Thursday, with the federal government, the provincial government agreed to launch an investigation.

Today the Alberta Liberals revealed that in actuality, many of the concerns expressed by Fort Chipewyan residents and medical observers seemed to be true. Opposition Environment Critic David Swann revealed that Suncor, a major player in the Alberta Oil Sands, had leaked one million liters of dirty water, grease and oil into Lake Athabasca (after ducks and this, perhaps Ed should beef up the ‘Alberta Oil Sands = Environmentally Friendly’ ad campaign budget) last September, and apparently the Stelmach government did not inform the residents of Fort Chipewyan until this May - a full 8 months later. Those who have been calling for an investigation claim that this is an ongoing trend.

The investigation plans to release its report in the fall and if true, I think it will be a significant moment in Albertan and Canadian history. I’ll get into why when the report is released. In the mean time, check out the documentary below that CBC did in late 2008 for more background to the story. It’s something worth checking out. Also, props to the people of Fort Chipewyan and their supporters for winning this battle, which I’m sure was truly a David vs Goliath struggle.