May 1, 2012
Oil Tankers and Oil Pipelines Too Great a Risk, Say Canadians for the Great Bear
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – May 1, 2012) – Oil tankers and an oil pipeline through Canada's remarkable Great Bear region are too great a risk to take, said 'Captain Canada' hockey hero Scott Niedermayer and other well-known British Columbians at today's Vancouver kick-off of a nation-wide campaign, Canadians for the Great Bear.
Spokespeople, representing a range of political stripes and expertise, joined forces to call for a sustainable future for Canada's unique Great Bear region. The group raised expert concerns about the risks of the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline to Canadian values, jobs, and the environment.
“It's tremendously important to me to be a Canadian for the Great Bear. The amazing places we have in our country are part of what it means to be Canadian,” says Niedermayer, who grew up in interior B.C.
Backed by WWF-Canada and B.C.'s Coastal First Nations, Canadians for the Great Bear are calling for an energy strategy that respects nature, reflects Canadian values and works for all Canadians.
“I am a Canadian for the Great Bear because the risks of an oil tanker or pipeline spill far outweigh any potential rewards,” says Grand Chief Edward John, Hereditary Chief of Tl'azt'en Nation. “The proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline has united First Nations across the province to stop this pipeline and increased oil tanker traffic on the coast.”
At today's launch, Peter Ladner, former Vancouver city councilor and co-founder of Business in Vancouver Media Group, pointed out the risks to B.C.'s economy while economist Robyn Allan noted that Enbridge's business case is based on Canadians paying more at the pump, at the store, and in our homes.
Scientists from B.C. universities spoke out about the threats to long-held Canadian values of environmental stewardship.
“I am a Canadian for the Great Bear because I believe that exposing this region's biodiversity to an unacceptably high risk, in return for poor economic and social returns, is not a rational decision,” says noted University of British Columbia scientist Dr. Eric Taylor. “It runs counter to B.C.'s motto… Splendor sine occasu …splendour without diminishment.”
The campaign will rally Canadian individuals, businesses, and communities to speak out for a sustainable future for the Great Bear region. “We're inviting Canadians across the country to join our team,” says Niedermayer.
Photos and B-Roll: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b80y683l41bvnfo/VSWwTOOQaI
Preview footage: http://youtu.be/s48M7i0G9rw
This news release and associated material can be found on www.wwf.ca.
Oil tankers and an oil pipeline through Canada's remarkable Great Bear region are too great a risk to take, said 'Captain Canada' hockey hero Scott Niedermayer and other well-known British Columbians at today's Vancouver kick-off of a nation-wide campaign, Canadians for the Great Bear.