thanks, Scarp

UPDATE: The report talked about below can now be found online here.

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Thanks to MP Francis Scarpaleggia who both spearheaded the push to have the federal House of Commons Environment Committee investigate the issue of tar sands and water issues, and who today released his party's findings based on that investigation.

Unfortunately, the Committee itself could not come to consensus on putting out a report. The members cannot talk about why this is so, since the decision was taken in camera and the rules say they aren't allowed to talk about it. But, to get an indication of what happened, voters would be well advised to check out this story about a guide book on sabotaging Committee work that the Conservatives have deployed.

Mr. Scarpaleggia's recommendations are worth implementing, although unfortunately at this point his report has not been posted online, so we can't cite them in full. They include: conducting a cancer study in Fort Chip, including naphthenic acids in disclosure of pollutants, reviewing the discredited industry-dominated water monitoring program in the tar sands, and having the federal government assert its authority under the Fisheries Act to, in essence, do its job.

Overall, this is a sign that at least some MPs in Ottawa want to take their responsibility regarding tar sands regulation seriously. Indeed, with other party reports expected, this could very well be a majority of MPs - but unfortunately not those of the stripe that currently control the levers of power.

Matt Price
Policy Director