Ruminations

Environmental Responsibility

"I think it's an important scientific endeavour and I don't believe that either provincially, regionally, or nationally and internationally we can afford to let it go."
"My fear would be that if we don't continue this research, we're going to have to recreate it at some point down the line. And so to my mind, it makes more sense to continue this endeavour."
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Well, a sane and intelligent, responsible mind has spoken. At least on this file. One that urgently required tending to. So it most certainly represents a relief to many within the scientific community, nationally and internationally, that the northwestern Ontario experimental freshwater research station near Kenora has been given a new lease on life.

The research area is unique, and uniquely available for research purposes. An area of 58 remotely-located lakes in fairly pristine condition because of their isolation, the Experimental Lakes Area is vital to environmental research. It has been a useful research area since 1968 for studies in water quality. Employing 17 people, collaborating with 115 students of biology and environmental studies, it costs the federal government $2 million annually to operate.

An absolute pittance when considering the budget of a prosperous country like Canada, with a fundamental need to invest in environmental studies, as custodians of a land of natural resources and fresh-water abundance, the envy of most other nations. Operating costs, according to provincial authorities comes to $600,000 annually; the balance representing research investment by the federal government.

The decision to cut off funding and dismantle the research station was unfortunate, ill-advised and represented a grave error in judgement on the part of the federal government. Whatever many people may think about the provincial Liberal Ontario government, under the new premier this initiative to right an obvious oversight in priorities is a truly welcome one.

The federal government, despite giving orders to dismantle the research station in preparation for closing it down completely, has been engaged in negotiations with the International Institute for Sustainable Development to maintain the area so it can continue to be used to its full potential. And the hope is that the province working with the federal and Manitoba governments and the Institute will conclusively save the research station's future.

The Institute appears amenable to the recommendation that it take control of the ELA, since it is already engaged in freshwater investigative work. "What is special about the ELA is that it takes research out of the lab and right into the environment, so the ELA presents a rare opportunity for research, perhaps unique in the world", explained president and chief executive of the Institute, Scott Vaughan.

Ontario's new premier stressed that the area is able to recommend, through research findings, pollution reduction strategies, maintain an understanding of climate change and how best to protect Ontario's lakes and rivers, which conclusions can be effected across Canada and internationally.

Responsible stewardship of our vast and valuable heritage of natural resources requires no less of this country.