Canada's Indigenous-Led Study on Oil Sands Health Impacts

Canada will fund a $12 million Indigenous-led study over 10 years to examine the health impacts of oil sands development on local communities, especially Fort Chipewyan. Triggered by a recent tailings water leak, the study aims to assess risks, including cancer, and may prompt stronger environmental measures.

Canada announced on Wednesday that it will allocate $12 million over a decade for an Indigenous-led study to investigate the health impacts of oil sands development on local communities. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault made the announcement following concerns about a tailings water leak from an Imperial Oil site.

The Fort Chipewyan Health Study will explore potential heightened cancer risks among communities downstream of the oil sands region. Notably, these communities have reported higher rates of cancer and other health issues for years. Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation emphasized that his community first called for a health study in 1992.

If the findings indicate significant community impacts, the study could compel federal and provincial governments and companies to implement stronger environmental and health measures. The Alberta government has yet to respond to the funding invitation. Pathways Alliance, comprising six major oil sands producers, expressed support for the study's outcomes.

(With inputs from agencies.)