Retired oceanographer horrified by the Harper government’s blatant disregard of the environment

Letter to Fisheries and Oceans Minister/Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield:

Dear Keith,

I am a retired biological oceanographer, living on a small woodlot on French Lake (Lakeville Corner). Both as a professional scientist, past chair of Solar Nova Scotia and now tending one of the few remaining slivers of the original Acadian Forest in New Brunswick, I have an abiding interest in environmental issues. But I am horrified at your government’s blatant disregard of the environment as it hues out its economic Armageddon. At every turn its moves to bolster the “economy” trump environmental reality. How our progeny will rue the day that our national government, of which you are part, has taken that path.

The most recent insult to our intelligence has been the government’s move to stifle inconvenient scientific enquiry, e.g. eviscerating the marine research station in St. Andrews. You as Minister of Fisheries should be singularly aware of the importance of continuing and unbiased scientific input into your ability to carry out your responsibilities.

As “my Member of Parliament” you would have to go a long way to prove to me that you are representing my interests, or more importantly my children’s and grandchildren’s.

In sadness,

Norval Balch