THUNDER BAY – In wake of a third train derailment in Northern Ontario in less than a month, the Ontario Regional Chief is sounding the alarm over how oil is transported in the country.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Stan Beardy said this weekend’s fiery derailment of CN Rail cars carrying crude oil near Gogama, about 80 kilometres south of Timmins, is the latest example of a dangerous practice.
“Canada’s transportation policy and regulations on pipelines and railways are putting First Nations and the environment at major risk and are infringing our ability to exercise our treaty and other rights,” he said.
The derailment, which happened Saturday morning, was the second near Mattagami First Nation in the past three weeks.
CN Rail said ongoing air and water testing had so far found no issues, though two cars and some crude had entered the Mattagami River System. It said booms have been installed downstream of the site.
Crews extinguished the last of the fires from the derailment on Monday, and the two cars that were in the river were removed, the railway said.
Mattagami residents were cautioned not to eat fish from the creek that runs along the rail line after the first incident.
Beardy said the environmental effects of derailments and spills threatens the way of life for First Nations people.
“Canada utilizes an aging and climate change affected pipeline and rail transportation network that crosses First Nations territories,” he said.
“We are tired of being pawns in Canada’s addiction to oil.”
Treaty regions are scheduled to meet on Thursday to develop a strategy to address concerns over recommendations coming from First Nations leadership.
With files from The Canadian Press
