Canada Launches Indigenous-Led Study on Oil Sands Health Impact

Canada will fund a $12 million Indigenous-led study over 10 years to investigate how oil sands development impacts health in local communities. The Fort Chipewyan Health Study will assess risks like cancer, following health issues linked to a tailings water leak from an Imperial Oil site in Northern Alberta.

Canada announced on Wednesday that it will fund an Indigenous-led study to assess the impact of oil sands development on local community health. This initiative follows a tailings water leak from Imperial Oil's site, increasing pollution concerns.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault confirmed that Ottawa will allocate C$12 million ($8.71 million) over a decade for the Fort Chipewyan Health Study. The study will investigate potential heightened cancer risks for communities downstream of oil sands.

Indigenous groups, who have reported increased health problems, welcomed the study. Chief Allan Adam highlighted long-standing health issues like cancer and autoimmune diseases in affected communities. Guilbeault stressed the need for stronger health and environmental measures if the study points to community impacts.

Imperial and the Pathways Alliance pledged support for the study. However, the Alberta government has not yet responded to funding requests.

(With inputs from agencies.)