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12 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, MAY 03, 2012 Science Matters Few people would argue against making environmental review processes and regulations more efficient ­ as long as they're effective. But changes announced in the recent federal budget don't do that. Instead, they make it easier for the federal government and industry to push through projects that could harm the environment and the economy, and limit the ability of ordinary Canadian citizens to have a say in matters of national importance. Based on the budget announcement you'd think delays and duplication in the environmental review process are the biggest issues. They're not. As the Pembina Institute points out, the equivalent of one major oil sands mine has Environmental rules should be better, not easier been approved in each of the past five years, and the pace is increasing. Some people, including former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed, suggest we'd benefit by slowing down ­ for economic and environmental reasons. When there are setbacks in the review process, they're often caused by indus try's reluctance to provide timely data or by a lack of capacity within the government itself. The latter is getting worse as funding for basic monitoring and enforcement is subject to further cuts. Eliminating environmental reviews for some projects altogether, shifting responsibility to the provinces, and severely cutting back on staff and agencies that provide man- By David Suzuki agement and information are not ways to make processes more efficient; they're ways to accelerate approval of major projects, making the short-term interests of industry a higher priority than protecting the air, land, and water we all need to stay healthy. Provincial regulations are not always consist ent, they're often weaker than federal rules, and they don't necessarily take into account the impact of decisions in one province on people in others. Remember also that B.C. approved a mining company's proposal to destroy Fish Lake near Williams Lake, but a subsequent federal review rejected it. O ther changes that could profoundly affect the way industrial and GOON SHAROON: Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette introduced McKenzieSmith Bennett School Grades four and five students to the hero of his book ­ Goon Sharoon ­ last Wednesday. Bonnette joins the list of well known Canadian authors who visited MSB all week to talk about a variety of very popular children's books. ­ Submitted photo environmental concerns are considered include a move to restrict participation in environmental hearings to those "directly affected" and a proposal to shift decision-making authority for major energy projects, including the Northern Gateway Pipeline, from the National Energy Board to the federal cabinet. This could mean these decisions will become increasingly political rather than based on the best scientific information, expert advice, and public concern. A democratic government committed to openness and transparency will ensure our shared resources are used ­ or not ­ in a way that provides maximum benefit and minimum harm to its citizens. That requires listening to what experts, community members, and the organizations that represent them have to say. That's true regardless of whether those organizations speak for the interests of people who see the environment as a priority or those whose biggest concern is tax dollars. Besides putting the environment and the human health that depends on it at risk, these changes to policy and regulation could actually make re view processes more inefficient and time-consuming. If people lose trust, we could see more conflict and court challenges. Recently, the Nuxalk First Nation of Bella Coola withdrew from the Northern Gateway hearings ­ hereditary Chief Charlie Nelson argued that the government has already made up its mind to approve the project. Instead, aboriginal leaders say they will consider going to court to defend their rights and stop the project. The government should work to make environmental rules more effective, improving efficiency as one of a number of objectives. A consultative and transparent process that engages a range of interests, information, and expertise would work best. The opportunity to achieve this was there when a parliamentary standing committee was charged with reviewing the Canadian Environ mental Assessment Act last year. But the Can adian Environmental Law Association says that process was "rushed, poorly implemented, and any thing but `comprehensive' in nature". We all want a free and democratic country with a healthy environment and strong economy. The best way to guarantee that is to encourage scientific research and knowledge, open discourse, and respect for a range of viewpoints. There are ways we can improve efficiency of decision-making, such as clearer environmental rules. Sometimes ­ but not always ­ it may take longer to reach a decision, but at least we'd be confident it is made in the best interests of all Canadians. New look, new product, new entrance Jewellery w Home Décor w Gifts w Holistic Wellness NOW OPEN!! GRAND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION SATURDAY MAY 12 Meditation classes start up again soon. Space available Like us on facebook to be eligible to win monthly prize giveaways www.facebook.com/countryreflections Acton Seniors Centre www.countryreflections.ca 37 Mill St. E, Acton Saturday, May 12 7 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. SPRING BAZAAR 519-853-1996 ACTON COMMUNITY HALL Lunch, Penny Table, Draws, Baking, Crafts, Plants, Books, Games, Jewellery, Granny's Attic