Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys, chair of CAPE Nova Scotia, joined hundreds of people outside the Nova Scotia legislature today to speak out against several omnibus bills recently put forward by Premier Tim Houston’s government. The bills threaten to erode our democracy, cause widespread environmental harm, and threaten the health of those who call Nova Scotia home. Dr. Geldenhuys spoke to the crowd, calling upon the government to halt plans to remove the long-standing bans on fracking and uranium mining.
Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys’s Speech
I’m here today as a physician, a Nova Scotian, a mother and a grandmother because of the very real health threats posed by Bill 6, which would remove existing legislation protecting Nova Scotians from fracking and uranium mining.The government says these industries can be done safely here in Nova Scotia. As a physician and representative of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, I want you to know the truth.
Fracking is strongly linked to increased rates of birth defects, spontaneous miscarriages, childhood leukemia and asthma, increased hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and higher overall mortality rates and reduced life expectancy.
Uranium mining and exploration also pose grave risks. They release radon and radioactive toxic particles that can contaminate soil, water, crops, and wildlife. These contaminants can enter the food chain and jeopardize our drinking water supplies. Nova Scotia is the second most densely populated province in Canada. No matter where you live in the province, your health could be at risk.
Physicians in other provinces have been sounding the alarm for some time. In northeastern British Columbia, where fracking has been underway for a number of years, physicians are closing their practices and moving away. They’re leaving because they see the high rates of rare cancers, birth defects, and other devastating health effects. And because this boom-and-bust industry is causing social dislocation and upheaval in their communities. Yet the BC government continues to ignore their warnings.
Physicians before us have fought tirelessly to protect the people of Nova Scotia from fracking and uranium mining, and we are prepared to continue that fight. However, we’d prefer not to.
Our healthcare system is already under significant strain. We urge Premier Houston to fulfill his commitment to improving healthcare in the province. To do so, Premier Houston, you must protect the health of Nova Scotians by maintaining the bans on fracking and uranium mining.