The Harper Government is trying to shut down a unique and world-renowned environmental research centre in western Ontario.
The
Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), sparsely populated with 58 small lakes and their drainage basins, has served as a facility for experimental and long-term ecosystem research since the 1960s. Because it's largely unaffected by human and industrial activity, it provides a natural laboratory for the study of physical, chemical and biological effects on the environment.
ELA is the one place in the world where the effects of mercury poisoning on a natural ecosystem could be tested, thus providing evidence needed to convince at least American regulators to finally force removal of mercury from coal-fired power plant emissions, which can save billions in annual health costs.
Canada, however, has not acted on this evidence, and the proposed funding cut would silence ELA for good.
Tell Canada to keep the ELA Research Centre Open!
We, the undersigned, believe ELA’s research is invaluable to the health of humans and the planet.
A spokesman for ELA explains that without the availability of such a natural laboratory and research centre as theirs - one able to show actual effects on ecosystems caused by pollutants - industries can continue to claim their activities have no real or important adverse effects.
Prompted by ELA’s research, the recent regulations imposed on the coal-fire industry, alone, are sufficient to justify the centre’s existence.
Instead of shutting down ELA, the Canadian government should be increasing its funding and showing its appreciation for its contribution to society and the environment.
Therefore we request that you reverse your decision to cut off federal funding to ELA and instead provide this valuable Centre with all the resources it needs to continue its work.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
