For immediate release
August 6, 2014
“The pictures and video of the breach are appalling. I was overwhelmed by a deep sadness seeing those images,” said Adam Olsen, Leader of the B.C. Green Party. “I am extremely concerned for the residents of the area whose health and safety are of utmost importance. I am grateful that no lives have been lost to this disaster.
“By all appearances, the response to this disaster has been all too slow. Communication with residents, many of whom are located across large geographic areas with intermittent or no cellular and internet coverage, has been insufficient. For a government that touts ‘world-class’ response and recovery policies, this is a failure.
“Additionally, this disaster has put an enormous financial burden on the local community to ensure their immediate and basic needs are met. It is essential that the government provide a statement of financial assurance and backing to residents of the affected areas for their immediate needs.
“The potential human and environmental consequences of this disaster cannot be underestimated. The B.C. Green Party will focus on working with communities, local organizations and government entities to support their immediate needs, and assess the long-term effects of this situation and the systematic deficiencies in our mining and environmental policies.”
Media contact:
Stefan Jonsson
Director of Communications
250.514.0288
[email protected]