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When did caring about the environment's future become radical? By Annika Young Grade 12, Abbey Park H.S. 31 · Friday, September 14, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com W hat do you picture when you think of environmentalists? According to many members of the Canadian government, the answer is `public enemies' and `radicals'. This January, Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver wrote an open letter to the Wall Street Journal stating that -- among other things -- environmentalists "threaten to hijack our regulatory systems to achieve their radical ideological agenda." In addition, the government's new counterterrorism strategy lists environmentalists as potentially threatening "issue-based domestic extremists." Just what is this "radical ideological agenda," though? Environmentalism is not merely about `treehugging' -- indeed, one of its major purposes is to ensure humans' future comfort and prosperity through the wise use of natural resources. How can caring about our future -- about the air we must breathe and the water we must drink -- be considered radical or extreme? As for the part about "hijacking our regulatory systems," Canada was a democracy the last time I checked, and one of the central tenets of democracy is allowing citizens equal opportunity to express their opinions. Perhaps Mr. Oliver is the one hijacking the regulatory process by depriving environmental groups of their right to participate. A fair regulatory system must consider all points of view -- even those that certain government members disagree with. Speaking of depriving people of their right to participate, one section of Canada's 2012 budget bill contains legislation that will reduce public involvement in resource review hearings and impact assessments. This means that those who could potentially be affected by resource development projects will be unable to voice their concerns. As well, fewer projects will be assessed for their environmental and social impacts. Impact assessment exists for an important reason -- the protection of both human health and the functionality of ecosystems that humans depend on. Reducing the number of projects that undergo assessment could have disastrous consequences for each. Worse still, Ottawa is auctioning offshore areas in the Arctic to oil and gas companies for exploration. Do you remember the Deepwater Horizon spill? An oil spill in the Arctic would make that look like a minor trickle. Not only would the presence of icebergs make offshore spills more likely, the cleanup of such spills would pose a major challenge. Oil from a spill would take much longer to disperse in cold weather, and could potentially become trapped underneath sea ice, making cleanup virtually impossible. As well, much of the Arctic is frozen and inaccessible during its long winter, so cleanup efforts would only be possible for a few months each year. These factors mean that the cost of remediating a spill there would be astronomical. If a spill were to happen, much of the bill would be footed by -- you guessed it -- taxpayers. Canada is a land with abundant resources, but it is clear that our current government is squandering them through poor management. Let's work together and stand up for our country's well-being by taking action. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at dykes@cogeco.ca. Totally FREE! When? Sun, Sept 16 (Rain or Shine) 10 am--Family Worship Gathering 12 pm--Family Fun Fair Where? White Oaks SS, 1330 Montclair Dr. Why? Bouncy Castles--Cotton Candy--BBQ Magic Show--Cake--Water Balloons Fun Family Photos --Caricatures Balloon Animals--Tug-O-War Contests--Giveaways--More Brought to you by www.FamilyFunFair.ca THE WINTER COLD END OF SEASON SUMMER SALE LARGEST COLLECTION Replace you furnace and Air Conditioner * 10 YEAR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY ARE YOU READY? IS COMING Now! 45 years FAMOUS EUROPEAN BRAND NAMES ALL UNDER ONE ROOF Backed by Coleman's 2012 100% Satisfaction Guarantee We Service All Makes of Gas Furnaces We will pay the HST for your next home comfort system maintenance Expires 09/30/2012 Coupon must be presented at time of service · 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE · QUALIFIED MECHANICS · QUALITY WORKMANSHIP · Bronte Rd Bronte Rd Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 to 5 Sat. 10-5 Sun. 11 to 4 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGA SYSTEMS 905.823.7415 h 90 LOOK FOR US ON Lakeshore Lakeshore Rd Rd www.applebysystems.ca Third Line Third Line INGEBORG'S WAREHOUSE SPECIAL OFFER APPLEBY 24 HR. HOTLINE Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 11-4 Oakville Showroom Phone: 905-825-1893 905-825-1929 Burlington 2086 Speers Rd. Oakville 905-335-3203 QEW Speers Rd