May Alerts Baird and Ambrose to Consequences of Fukushima Leakages

Green Leader Elizabeth May wrote to Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird yesterday to advocate for Canada offering its technical support to help control and contain leakages of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. She also wrote to Health Minister Rona Ambrose calling for a better food monitoring due to radiation.

From the letter to Minister Baird:

“It was reported last week that the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) unintentionally dumped 11,500 tons of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. This action is not only an environmental disaster but a possible violation of international law and highlights the need for assistance from the international community.”

“Now that the Government of Japan has announced it will take a lead role in managing the situation, essentially side-lining TEPCO, it would be a good time for Canada to offer any assistance. It must be of paramount importance to the international community to establish emergency measures and more fundamental steps to eliminate the roots of the contaminated water problems arising from nuclear reactors.”

From the letter to Minister Ambrose:

“Recent news about Fukushima has highlighted concerns that I think merit investigation. For instance, in an interview with the CBC, physician and health expert Erica Frank of the University of British Columbia says that there are Pacific wild salmon migrating though the radioactive plumes of Fukushima and that we are catching these fish.”

“What is the government doing to ensure that radiation from Fukushima is not affecting our fish, habitat and health? Given the severity and scope of ongoing crisis in Fukushima, not to mention public concern at home, is it not advisable to take additional steps to monitor radiation in our fish and in our imported seafood products? What additional steps will Health Canada take to ensure that Canadians and our environment are safe?”

“The Fukushima tragedy is also a wake up call for Canadian nuclear plants. From sufficient insurance policies for operators to the management of nuclear waste, there are lessons for Canada too,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands.

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