Letter received from Monika Schaefer, Nov 14th

Yellowhead Green Party Candidate, 2006, 2008

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To the Lac Ste Anne Community Group,

Thank you for the invitation to attend the public meeting on Saturday regarding the Sturgeon River watershed. I am so sorry not to be able to attend, however I would like to send you my support by way of this message.

I have been following with great interest and concern the events that have been unfolding with regards to Yellowhead Aggregates.
The lack of transparency from the government, and the blatant disregard for the public interest, and the lack of protection of the environment has been nothing short of shocking. There should be nothing to hide if indeed the gravel extraction application poses no threat to the watershed. Yet it seems that great effort is being made by government, by lawyers, by the company to hide information and put obstacles in front of citizens who are working to protect the environment. Democracy is being undermined. Without knowledge, we have no democracy.

It is outrageous that a group of concerned citizens should have to FIGHT so hard to protect their watershed. One would think that this should be the job of the government. To protect the public interest, to protect the environment, and to be open and transparent in its decisions. None of that is happening and it is a travesty. Continuing to separate ecology and economy in any and all decisions that we make as a society puts us all at peril.

I want to express my full encouragement and support for this citizens group and the work that you are doing. I congratulate you on your hard work and I hope that your efforts culminate in successful resolution and that the Sturgeon watershed will be protected.

Monika Schaefer
Yellowhead Green Party candidate 2006, 2008