Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow just spoke at a rally on the steps of the Yukon Legislative Assembly in Whitehorse.
She spoke against the Yukon Party government’s decision to allow fracking in the Kotaneelee gas fields in the Liard basin in southeast Yukon. Members of the Liard First Nation spoke at the rally alongside Barlow and delivered a letter stating that the community does not approve of fracking.
The CBC news report on the rally quotes Barlow saying, “I’m here in solidarity. The Yukon has not yet started this process. I beg you — don’t start it. The water here is so precious.”
The Whitehorse Daily Star has previously reported, “Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Scott Kent is unequivocal on the potential benefits of fracking and the key role First Nations would play in the lead-up to possible exploration or development. ‘The Yukon Party stands for responsible resource development and a robust oil and gas industry, and the opposition parties clearly do not’, he said… Kent referred to the government’s announcement that it will open the door to fracking proposals – for now, only in the Liard basin in the southeast corner of the territory.”
Houston, Texas-based EFLO Energy Inc. has stated it wants to frack in the Liard basin area in the next 5-10 years.
The Liard First Nation, the Ross River Dena Council, Acho Dene Koe First Nation and the Kaska nations have traditional territory in the Liard basin.
Further reading
Barlow to speak against fracking in the Yukon on April 4 (April 2015 blog)
Photo by Emma Lui.
