First Nation displeased with government handling of clean-up measures

Cold Lake First Nation is not pleased with the way the province is handling the clean-up of groundwater contamination following bitumen emulsion seepage to the surface at the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. Over a million litres of oil spilled onto traditional Dene lands. “Cold Lake First Nation is demanding inclusion on the safe remediation of our lands, compensation and accommodation. There is cancer-causing agents now flowing in the ground water that can cause mutations in animals and human beings,” said Cecil Janvier, council member of Cold Lake First Nation, in a news release. He said the Nation would continue to push for “accountability and transparency” from Canadian Natural Resources Limited and the Alberta Energy Regulator, which is responsible for issuing permits to the oil and gas sector.