Open letter to Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Brad Cathers:
The recent announcement of a five-year ban on oil and gas exploration in the Whitehorse Trough is one of the most important environmental announcements your government could have made.
Citing “public opposition” as the “biggest single factor” made the decision even more gratifying.It is often hard to believe that government at any level cares to listen to concerns. Thank you for doing so.
That a small government can say no to the oil and gas industry is surprising. Thank you for that.
Personally, this issue got me to the opening of the Yukon legislature for the first time and to two question periods. Next I want to attend the committee of the whole.
I wrote a letter to the papers. I attended government- and NGO-sponsored meetings. In short, I got involved beyond the election. I want to stay involved.I await the next steps in the Peel process.
Your decision allows hope instead of cynicism.
Thank you for that.
Sharon Wisemyn
Whitehorse