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Fishing the North: Why David Suzuki's visit to Gogama could be a turning point

What happens upstream flows downstream, writes columnist David Reid
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Although at times, residents may feel like their voices aren't heard in Parliament, having David Suzuki involved is a major step in helping with the cleanup efforts in Gogama.

During a late phone conversation with Laurent (Larry) Joseph Robichaud this past Monday evening about Dr. Suzuki coming up to visit the spill site, our conversation took a turn to the advantages of Dr. Suzuki coming up here.

Besides the obvious media exposure and bringing more attention to the spill, which could now receive worldwide exposure, Dr. Suzuki will have an opportunity to plant seeds of information into the minds of the people affected by the disaster and also create awareness of the potential for future spill possibilities.

GogamaDerailment135 rail cars carrying crude oil jumped the tracks into the Makami River near Gogama in March of 2015. Photo by the Transportation Safety Board

One of the seeds we would be able to inform him of is the CN Rail routes along other waterways that flow into the Arctic Watershed which he may not be aware of.

We can inform him of the many bridges that CN trains have and use which carry crude oil over other river systems which flow into the Mattagami River.

Although it was a tragic environmental event, we were fortunate that one location (Gogama) was close enough for cleanup crews to quickly respond and contain most of the spill before it could have been worse.

Only about 20 kilometres northwest, on February 15, the Kasaway derailment was more remote and larger in volume. In this case a road had to be pushed through so the cleanup crew could access the spill.

Having had this happen, another seed to plant could be that of CN rail looking at making roads to other remote areas in case a derailment happens in these areas.

Another important issue that should be brought up would be to learn the conditions of the existing bridges, along with the sections of rail before and after the bridges. 

How often are they inspected? And should some bridges be replaced?

After visiting the spill site, Dr. Suzuki will then attend a open public meeting at 4 p.m. at the Gogama Community Centre were everyone is welcome to attend.

I am sure you have other concerns that you would like to bring up at the open public meeting, however please remember the reason for Dr. Suzuki visit is to talk about the clean up efforts and the environment impact it will have on the Mattagami River System.

oil Mattagami 2016The Mattagami River

After Dr. Suzuki is finished his talk, then you'll be able to voice your concerns and plant some seeds for him to ponder. 

This is a very important day for the residents living in Northeastern Ontario.

There's a strong possibility that Dr. Suzuki's visit could also set a precedent in terms of how the environmental organizations, Members of Parliament and government look at the importance of the environment and wildlife in Northern Ontario for our future generations to enjoy or not.   

I hope to see not only a strong presence of residents at the open public meeting but also all the mayors and MPs in the northeast ridings attending as this issue impacts all of us that depend on the Mattagami River system in one way or another.

If you're sitting on the fence about attending the open public meeting, remember that if Dr. David Suzuki is taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit the spill site, it is important to the planet, the people and wildlife that rely on it.   

Remember this is our water source, and "What happens upstream flows downstream."

Whether you're an angler or hunter; a camp, lodge, resort owner; or just holding an outdoor event and would like some exposure, please feel free to email us at [email protected].


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