YELLOWKNIFE—New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today accused Stephen Harper of failing the needs of Northern Canadians.

“Whether it’s standing by as our pristine North is polluted, promoting an ill-conceived Northern Strategy or ignoring the calls for a highway along the Mackenzie Valley, Stephen Harper has made it clear that he is not concerned with the problems facing the people of the North,” Layton said.

Speaking on a visit to Yellowknife with Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington, Layton had harsh words for Harper, accusing him of allowing industry to trump the environment. He noted recent reports that high levels of toxic pollutants in Alberta’s Athabasca River are linked to oil sands mining.

Layton also blasted Harper’s so-called Northern Strategy, saying that it completely misses the mark. “This government is spending billions of dollars on military jets when Northern communities don’t even have basic infrastructure,” Layton said. “If you want to build up Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty, support and invest in the people who live there. New Democrats have been saying this for years.”

Layton contrasted the Conservative government’s failures in the North with New Democrat Arctic policies, including a motion calling for a complete review of all laws and regulations concerning unconventional oil and gas development, as well as a proposal to increase the Northern Residents Tax Deduction by 50%.

“Real leadership is talking to people, not manufacturing photo-ops,” Bevington said. “No amount of ATV riding or dancing will make up for the inaction Harper has shown us in the North.”