Scott Niedermayer introduces the newest Canadians for the Great Bear

“Today, 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 me to become Canadians for the Great Bear.
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

(c) Katie Edmonds/WWF-Canada
Joining Scott are a number of 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 raises 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.
The newest Canadians for the Great Bear include:


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 the idea of pumping tar sands 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.”

Laure Waridel, Equiterre founder, sociologist, author of Buying is Voting and Behind the Plate and Order of Canada recipient:
“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 unrivaled 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.”

Jeff Rubin, former Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets, world-recognized expert on the energy economy, and 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 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.”
Captain Trevor Greene, decorated veteran with twelve years of highly regarded service in the Canadian Armed Forces, injured in Afghanistan:
“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.”

Fletcher’s Meadows Secondary School students: Brampton area high school students engaged in Great Bear issues by biology teacher Kelli Hazzard at Fletcher’s Meadows Secondary School:
“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, student.

Aliya-Jasmine Sovani, MTV News host and producer:
“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.”

Tony Dekker, lead singer and songwriter for Canadian indie-folk band Great Lake Swimmers
“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.”
 
Vancity, a values-based financial co-operative serving the needs of its 479,500 member-owners and their communities through 58 branches in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria and Squamish.

“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,” says Andy Broderick, Vice President of Community Investment at Vancity. “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.”

Want to join your fellow Canadians and make your voice heard about the Northern Gateway Pipeline? Become a Canadian for the Great Bear.