Groups join forces to fight oilsands expansion

Daniel MacIsaac, February 1, 2008, Edmonton Sun -- Peter Cyprien says mutant, diseased fish are no kind of legacy to leave his children.

The Fort Chipewyan resident is co-chairman of a new lobby group called the Keepers of the Athabasca. He was in Edmonton yesterday to participate in a new coalition of 55 organizations against expanding oilsands production.

Cyprien described how production waste-water has been poisoning the Athabasca - telling of fish with ulcers and inedible moose meat.

"Basically, they're taking our lives away," he said. "I have a daughter, and if it continues like this, there'll be nothing left for her here."

The other panellists at yesterday's presentation represent a broad spectrum of environmental, civil-rights and labour organizations. They're united by what they say is the government's acquiescence to big oil.

"There is a huge gap in public policy in regards to energy and the needs of Canadians," said Sheila Muxlow of the Council of Canadians.

Lindsay Telfer of Sierra Club Canada said the coalition will build on a publicity campaign begun by the Alberta Federation of Labour, urging the government to slow oilsands development until its impact is better understood.

Stelmach said he "hadn't heard what the description of slowing down is,'' but warned that a total shutdown would devastate the economy.