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OTTAWA June 10, 2013 – In a move designed to urge the Conservatives to reverse reckless changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, NDP MP Linda Duncan (Edmonton – Strathcona) today introduced a private member’s bill, seconded by NDP MP Dennis Bevington (Western Arctic) to protect the Slave River.
“The Slave River is of particular importance to First Nation communities located along the river as this fragile region has already been impacted by expanding oil sands development,” said Duncan. “Canada’s waterways are a public resource that must be preserved for future generations and New Democrats are determined to do everything in our power to protect them.”
Since the 1880s the Navigable Waters Protection Act has been an important trigger to assess the potential impact of development on lakes and rivers. However, changes made to the Act in the Conservatives’ omnibus budget bill mean that fewer than two percent of Canada’s waterways are now protected.
“I am pleased to join my colleague to protect the mighty Slave River from the Conservatives’ short-sighted legislation,” said Bevington. “This river is the history and life force for northeastern Alberta and the southern Northwest Territories.”
Photos of American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) on the Slave River at the Rapids of the Drowned in Ft Smith NWT.
The Slave River is without a doubt the best playboating river in western Canada. Perhaps even all of Canada. (PaddlingABC! website is dedicated to promoting paddling and river conservation in western Canada.)
Slave River 2009 from Jacqui Whitehead “…With the White Nile being dammed kayakers will be looking for alternative rivers for playboating. The Slave River in the NWT, Canada offers world class playspots, river running and even creeking with first descents still to be run! This video shows the 4 sets of rapids and the features each set of rapids has to offer as well as making people aware that this unique river is under threat of being dammed….”
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