FORT FRANCES — NDP candidate Yuk-Sem Won (Thunder Bay-Rainy River) is raising alarm bells over a Northern Minnesota mining project that was halted by former President Obama but has been approved by Donald Trump. The mining project could irreparably pollute Lac La Croix and the Namakan Lake, Rainy Lake, and Rainy River watershed. Won is concerned for the health and wellbeing of the people living along the waterways as well as the environment and fisheries.
“The Twin Metals copper mine project in Minnesota would have a serious negative impact on our waterways,” said Won. “This is all because of Donald Trump’s disregard for the environment. Why haven’t we heard a word about this from Trudeau’s Liberal government? The prospect of heavy metal pollution in the chain of lakes is a serious issue that should not be ignored.”
The planned sulfide-ore copper mine would be the only one of its kind in the region and could potentially release heavy metal pollutants into the Rainy River watershed, beginning at Lac La Croix.
The Trump administration renewed the cancelled mining leases, and the US Environmental Protection Agency has been asked not to do a public filing of its concerns with the project.
“We don’t want President Trump’s toxic garbage in our water,” added Won. “The Liberals and Conservatives have been silent on this serious issue. People in Thunder Bay-Rainy River deserve better. Only New Democrats are on your side and will act to ensure a safe environment for our communities.”
In a New Deal for People, the NDP commits to enshrine in law the right to a healthy environment. Our federal Environmental Bill of Rights will ensure that all communities can enjoy a guarantee to clean water, land, and air. New Democrats will also better protect Canadians through a strengthened Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
