Alberta Doctor Tells U.S.: Canada Is Lying About Tar Sands Health Effects

via Vancouver Observer 

A northern Alberta doctor warned U.S. Senators on what he says have been the devastating health impacts of the tar sands on families – effects, he says, that have been willfully “ignored” by the Canadian and Alberta governments.

“I appeal to you to keep up the pressure – this is an ongoing tragedy. A total disgrace,” said Dr. John O’Connor, Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

He sighted statistics for rare cancers – of the bile duct for example – that have shot up 400 times for what is considered normal for a tiny community, such as Fort Chipewyan – which is downstream, to the north of the oil sands.  “These are published, peer-reviewed studies that indicate that the government of Alberta and Canada have been lying, misrepresenting the impact of industry on the environment,” said O’Connor.

This will be of high interest not only to residents but to activists and native canadians as well.  Especially so even.  Native Americans fight so hard and long for the environment.  It is truly a remarkable inspiring battle and I commend them for waging it.   I am proud to have Onondaga blood in me.  Solidarity to those fighting the Tar Sands.