‘Captain Canada’ announces new “Canadians for the Great Bear” reflecting growing national concern about the Northern Gateway Pipeline

Voicing the increasingly diverse and national concerns about the proposed oil pipeline and tanker routes through Canada’s remarkable Great Bear region, prominent Canadians joined ‘Captain Canada’ – hockey hero Scott Niedermayer – to become Canadians for the Great Bear today.

Spokespeople representing a range of backgrounds expertise, and perspectives joined forces to call for a sustainable future for Canada’s unique Great Bear region. The group raised both expert and personal concerns about the risks of the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline to Canadian values, jobs, and the environment. The range of views reflects the growing, mainstream Canadian opposition to this proposed project.

Quotes
“I’m a Canadian for the Great Bear because the idea of pumping tar sands bitumen through some of our country’s most pristine wilderness before dumping it into giant tankers that will then attempt to wend their way through some of the world’s most dangerous oceans is not just ill-advised, it’s environmental and economic Russian roulette. And I believe that Canadians are waking up to this.”
– Joseph Boyden, distinguished novelist, short story writer, and journalist; author of Three Day Road and Through Black Spruce

“I’m a Canadian for the Great Bear, because this natural treasure is to Canada what the Louvre is for Paris: a place of unspoiled and unrivalled beauty that unites all of nature’s greatest masterpieces. This environment is a jewel for all of humanity, and we have a duty to protect it.”
– Laure Waridel, Equiterre founder, sociologist, author of Buying is Voting and Behind the Plate and Order of Canada recipient

“I am a Canadian for the Great Bear because the export of raw bitumen is simply not in Canada’s long-term economic interests. And regardless of the economics, the Great Bear is no place for oil pipelines, oil refineries, or oil tanker traffic.”
– Jeff Rubin, former Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets, author of the bestselling and award-winning Why Your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller: Oil and the End of Globalization, and The End of Growth

“I’m a Canadian for the Great Bear because I want to leave my children with a planet that includes the Great Bear rainforest. The Canada I fought for is proud of its natural heritage.”
– Captain Trevor Greene, decorated veteran with twelve years of highly regarded service in the Canadian Armed Forces, injured in Afghanistan

“I am a Canadian for the Great Bear because I want the Great Bear forest and sea to be there for all future generations. This is a unique ecosystem, and it needs to be protected.”
– Gurleen Kuar, Brampton high school student engaged in Great Bear issues by biology teacher Kelli Hazzard at Fletcher’s Meadows Secondary School

“I am Canadian for the Great Bear because I don’t believe this is a good vs. bad issue. The future of Canada depends on finding solutions that both protect our environmental riches and meet economic needs.”
– Aliya-Jasmine Sovani, MTV News host and producer

“I’m a Canadian for the Great Bear because it’s of the utmost importance to protect the natural habitats that we have left. It’s a matter of making better and more balanced decisions, not simply sacrificing our last reserves for the sake of industry.”
– Tony Dekker, lead singer and songwriter for Canadian indie-folk band Great Lake Swimmers

“Vancity has a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and we use our convening power to support the financial, social and environmental well-being of our members. We believe it’s in the best interest of our members and their communities to protect the Great Bear because the future of this region affects all Canadians, not just for today but for future generations.”
– Andy Broderick, Vice President of Community Investment at Vancity, Canada’s largest Credit Union

“Become a Canadian for the Great Bear by signing our charter online – join the team today to speak out for a sustainable future for the Great Bear region.”
– Scott Niedermayer, hockey hero, Olympic Gold Medalist, and B.C. resident

The Canadians for the Great Bear charter is available at www.wwf.ca/greatbearcharter.

Photos, Footage and B-Roll: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b80y683l41bvnfo/VSWwTOOQaI

B-Roll Footage Preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s48M7i0G9rw&feature=youtu.be

About Canadians for the Great Bear
Canadians for the Great Bear is a group of Canadians representing a range of backgrounds and expertise, who have joined forces to call for a sustainable future for Canada’s unique Great Bear region. The group raises expert concerns about the risks of the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline to Canadian values, jobs, and the environment. Backed by WWF-Canada and B.C.’s Coastal First Nations, Canadians for the Great Bear are calling for an energy strategy that respects nature, reflects Canadian values and works for all Canadians. www.canadiansforgreatbear.ca

About Coastal First Nations
The Coastal First Nations is an alliance of First Nations that includes the Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Nuxalk, Gitga’at, Haisla, Metlakatla, Old Massett, Skidegate, and Council of the Haida Nation with approximately 20,000 members that are working together to develop a sustainable economy. www.coastalfirstnations.ca

About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca

Contact Information
Riannon John, WWF-Canada
416-347-1894
[email protected]

Jo Anne Walton, WWF-Canada
604-787-3103
[email protected]

Bess Brown, Coastal First Nations
604-696-9889
[email protected]