Canada to fund indigenous-led health study on oil sands impact

Canada has announced it will fund an Indigenous-led health study to investigate the effects of oil sands development on local communities. The decision follows recent concerns over pollution after a tailings water leak from an Imperial Oil site.

Key Details

  • Funding: C$12 million ($8.71 million) over 10 years
  • Study Name: Fort Chipewyan Health Study
  • Focus: Assessing potential health risks, including cancer, for communities downstream of the oil sands region

Background

Fort Chipewyan, located in Northern Alberta, has been a focal point for health concerns related to oil sands operations. Last year, it was revealed that tailings water— a toxic mix of bitumen, sand, and residual bitumen— had been leaking from Imperial Oil’s Kearl mining site for months.

Health Issues Reported:

  • Higher rates of cancer
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Skin irritations
  • Severe arthritis

Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation highlighted that his community first called for a health study in 1992.

Government Response

  • Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault: Emphasized the need for stronger environmental and health measures if the study shows negative impacts.
  • Ottawa’s Invitation: The Alberta government was invited to help fund the study but has not yet responded.

Industry Reaction

  • Imperial Oil: Expressed support for the study and regrets the recent tailings seepage.
  • Pathways Alliance: The group of Canada’s major oil sands producers supports the study and respects the desire to gather information on health impacts.

Community Reaction

  • Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro: Criticized the delay in addressing these issues, stating that health concerns should have been addressed much earlier.

The study aims to provide robust data on the health and environmental impacts of oil sands operations. It will be developed with specific objectives determined by the communities affected.