Future of CEMA unclear

A report by consultant Human Environment Group, obtained by the Edmonton Journal, is recommending that the Cumulative Effects Management Association, which is currently studying air pollutions levels, take on no new projects and by the end of 2015 complete all its research. At that time, CEMA would be rolled into a new, larger multi-stakeholder advisory group for the entire Lower Athabasca region, says the report. It is unclear who will take over CEMA’s research agenda. CEMA has a diverse board that includes First Nations, industry people, NGOs, and federal and provincial governments and each has input into the research plan. “The CEMA working groups are filled with people that understand the region and it would be unfortunate to take away that level of collaboration,” said Dan Stuckless, with Fort McKay First Nation. The pressure to revamp or disband CEMA began last year after the federal and provincial governments set up the joint-oilsands monitoring initiative. However, every First Nation involved with JOSM has pulled out, claiming their voices were not being heard.