By Jacqueline Chalmers, Chinook Water*Shed Crew
Some bugs for their ears
Unless you’re a vetted card carrying, deep-pocketed UCP member you have little to no opportunity to be heard by our current government. Subsequent to the finagling of the Water Not Coal petition, after diligently gathering 3,114 signatures by members of the Chinook Water*Shed Crew, a delegation of three Crew members requested a meeting with our MLA.
Our mission was simply stated: “Receiving information directly from our MLA rather than speculative opinions that surround several initiatives and plans of your government would be appreciated.” We offered to provide her with a short list of questions prior to the meeting.
The request was emailed and hand-delivered. Five weeks later, a succinct response was received: “MLA Petrovic is unable to accommodate your request for a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.”
Yup, understood! Now it’s time that they understand. The UCP is not the only game in town. If we want to be heard we must seek out any and all politicians and gain their ear. Attending a rally, talking with someone from the Progressive Tories, the Liberals or the NDP does not mean we subscribe or support all their beliefs and initiatives. It simply opens a door to another point of entry for protecting Our Water.
Unacceptable levels of selenium in fish, detrimental to human health, have been scientifically proven in Crownest Lake. Contaminants are also both upstream and downstream of the Old Man dam. This flows from the decommissioned, 40 plus years ago, of the Tent coal mine.
Trevor Bastien, son of the late respected Piikani Elder and environmentalist Harley Bastien, has taken up the torch to protect Our Water, our mountains and their fish, a sustainable food source, guaranteed by Treaty Seven and the Canadian Constitution. This legacy project is named “Harley’s Vision”.
Taking advantage of any and all opportunities generating political relationship is an important building block to the success for definitive and legislated protection of Our Water.
All are welcome to mix and mingle at an NDP Rally in Amundsen Park, Claresholm on Saturday, September 19 th , 1-3 pm. Leader of the Opposition Naheed Nenshi, MLA Kathleen Ganley, municipal politicians and media will be in attendance.
Donations to Trevor Bastien’s legal fund can be made by Interac eTransfer to trevorstrust@thewatershedcrew.org. Donated funds will be transferred to Trevor Bastien’s retainer account with Ackroyd LLP.