“We must work together with our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents as we look for a long-term solution.” Nova Scotia Green Party Deputy Leader, Brynn Nheiley
“The argument that you have to choose between your health and a job is ridiculous…” Green Party of Canada Leader, Elizabeth May
(Ottawa) August 20th, 2014 – Nova Scotia Green Party Deputy Leader, Brynn Nheiley called on the Nova Scotia government to ensure compliance with all air quality and water quality standards at the Northern Pulp Mill in Pictou County and to take immediate steps to ensure the health and safety of residents living nearby. Federal Green Party Leader, Elizabeth May also called on the Federal Minister of Health, Rona Ambrose to conduct an independent epidemiological health study of the rates of cancer and other diseases in Pictou County.
“We are learning more and more that the health risks posed by the Northern Pulp mill are unacceptable,” stated Nova Scotia Green Party Deputy Leader, Brynn Nheiley. “This mill continues to operate under such conditions at the expense of all other industries and businesses in the region. Immediate steps must be taken to bring this mill into compliance of established health and environmental regulations.”
“In collaboration with the Green Party of Canada, we call on this provincial government to enforce these regulations, designed to protect the health of its citizens, or impose significant penalties.”
“The notion that any community across Nova Scotia must choose between their jobs or their health and the health of their loved ones is false. We must work together with our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents as we look for a long-term solution.”
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, supported the Nova Scotia Green Party’s call to ensure that the Northern mill be brought into compliance with existing environmental regulations, adding, “I am concerned about the ever-increasing health risks posed to those living near the Northern Pulp mill in Pictou County. Statements made by mill representatives, I believe, are designed to delay the need for action. This is unacceptable.”
“The argument that you have to choose between your health and a job is ridiculous. We know that other mills in Canada have successfully complied with environmental standards and are now economically viable operations.”
“We are working closely with the Nova Scotia Provincial Green Party and will assist in any way we can to help find a solution for the residents of Pictou County.”
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Julian Morelli
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