Concerns over oilsands development highlighted.

George Poitras is cautiously optimistic that a visit to Fort Chipewyan by the latest federal committee looking at oilsands issues means a willingness to listen.

"It is absolutely frustrating. What can we say that hasn't already been said? And we haven't had any action taken at all. But we have to continue to be vocal," said Poitras, who spoke on behalf of Mikisew Cree Chief Roxanne Marcel, in Edmonton at the formal hearing of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development. The committee has been discussing water in the context of the tar sands since March.

Poitras is confident that being vocal is what pushed the standing committee to make the trip to Fort Chip.

Edmonton MP Linda Duncan, the only New Democrat on the 12-member all-party committee, agreed with Poitras' contention that people need to maintain their vigilance.

"You can't presume that what the standing committee has to present will go any further than anything else. The pressure and the heat need to be continued," said Duncan.

The committee held formal hearings in both Edmonton and Calgary and made trips to Fort McMurray and Fort Chip in mid-May.

Eriel Deranger, member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and campaigner for Rain Action Network, was disappointed that comments from the Fort Chip meeting weren't recorded.

"It was really important that the standing committee came to Fort Chip. But it was unfortunate that not all members could come and that it wasn't a formal hearing," said Deranger.

But Duncan said nothing that was said in the remote northern community was different from what was presented in Edmonton. Presentations by the chiefs and their representatives in Edmonton were "credible, eloquent and very hard hitting on the government," said Duncan.

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In a prepared statement, the Mikisew Cree called for a moratorium on further development on traditional lands. Stated Poitras, "At stake are precious living ecosystems, the survival of the Mikisew Cree culture, and the economic and physical well-being of the First Nation people. Oil sands leases cover over half of the Mikisew Cree's traditional lands. The scale of ecological devastation proposed is on a scale that has never been seen and experienced in North America."

Other presenters included Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Chief Francois Paulette for the Smiths Landing First Nation and Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus.

Deranger was disappointed with the number of representatives allowed to be heard by the standing committee. "The process (engaged by the standing committee) needs to be examined itself. There needs to be more transparency," she said.

But Duncan refuted allegations that the committee limited representation saying that up to a few days before the trip to Edmonton witnesses were being added to the formal presentation list.

No official timeline has been set as to when the standing committee is to get its recommendations to Parliament. Duncan is hoping for a final report to come forward by the summer break.

"There have been observations of this committee having dissension amongst each other. And this minority government is pro oilsands development," said Poitras. "But we have to be optimistic that this committee will make recommendations that will be fair to us."

SHARI NARINE

Sweetgrass Editor

Edmonton