LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Politics, Shoal Lake water don’t

I have been hearing a lot about mining developments at Shoal Lake in northwestern Ontario. So far, there has been a lot of heat but no light from Manitoba.

Comments in the local press attributed to Councillor T. Duguid are some of the most ignorant I have heard recently. It seems the opposition is being led by a self-serving group that is lying, cheating and misrepresenting the facts. The politicians are swallowing the bait — hook, line, sinker, rod, reel and even the boat and motor.

The word “politician” should mean more than playing politics. Intelligence and leadership are also supposed to be part of being a politician. Training is a popular political stand these days. A lot of people should take a few courses so a start can be made on producing intelligent statements on the topic. Learn some science before commenting on issues you obviously do not understand.

If you were really interested in the water supply, you would be funding a university for objective opinions to address concerns instead of donating taxpayers’ money to a narrow-minded lobby group whose objectives, I suggest, may have very little to do with the Winnipeg water supply.

You have every right and obligation to ensure the integrity of your water supply. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment also has that mandate. I have dealt with the ministry and can assure you it takes its responsibilities seriously. You can be sure the water quality was given priority over any other consideration, including economics.

J.W. Redden

Consulting Geologist

Wabigoon, Ont.