Canadian Environmental Justice Debates

Accusations of environmental racism are probably never taken lightly. But that's just what one Canadian company is facing in Ontario this week.

Read the article from the National Post here:
'Environmental racism' in Ontario: First Nations

As usual, this raises questions about who gets to decide which materials are environmentally sound and/or safe. Is it Canada's environmental division? The First Nations' environmental representatives? Have the forums and commenting opportunities in the policymaking process sufficiently represented the values of the people living in the area?

You might wonder why this article appears on a Michigan environmental justice blog. Well, check out Manitoulin Island:

It does seem water pollutants there might, possibly, eventually make their way across the grey sociopolitical boundary and into Michigan. How much cyanide do you want in your water?

View Manitoulin Island in a larger map

Comments

[Dahlia ChanTang]

Hear! Hear! It's important that you bring up such issues, not just because Michigan is so close to Manitoulin Island, but because 'environmental racism' seems to be pervassive, a case of the 'not in my backyard' syndrome.
There is so much evidence of this form of racism that it's a wonder there isn't more of an uproar. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; sending our garbage to be processed in China, and out toxic waste in India... The list goes on.

[Leslie]

Thanks Dahlia, for the thoughtful comment. Yes, NIMBY I think will always be a problem with environmental waste. The list does go on... if there's anything in particular that you think needs attention here in Michigan, please send it my way!