Experimental Lakes Area: NDP urges Conservatives to reverse decision

Nearly 20,000 Canadians signed petitions to save the area

Supported by thousands of Canadians, New Democrats once again urged the Conservatives to reverse cuts to the Experimental Lakes Area.

"It's a short-sighted decision that will hurt our water resources in Canada and throughout the world," said New Democrat Fisheries critic Robert Chisholm. "This closure isn't a question of money like the Conservatives are claiming. It's another attempt to muzzle environmental scientists."

The Experimental Lakes Area is crucial for maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems and fisheries. For 50 years, it has made revolutionary discoveries on the effects of acid rain, hydroelectric dams and the use of phosphate.

"The Ministers for Environment and Fisheries refuse to answer our questions. Are they going to do the same to the 20,000 Canadians who signed the petition urging the government to reverse its decision? These people deserve answers," said the deputy critic for the Environment, Anne Minh Thu Quach.