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Protect what's pristine

Protect what's pristine My name is Jacob Alexander and I am an 18-year-old student currently attending Acadia University. After hearing through social media of the plans to develop the Peel watershed region of the Yukon Territory I was extremely disheart

My name is Jacob Alexander and I am an 18-year-old student currently attending Acadia University. After hearing through social media of the plans to develop the Peel watershed region of the Yukon Territory I was extremely disheartened.

After living in various parts of the Yukon for upwards of seven years I have experienced the traditions of the First Nations people for numerous years, witnessed firsthand the beauty of the Yukon and fully comprehend the value and importance of the land to the native peoples of the area.

I have also lived in Fort McMurray, Alberta and seen firsthand the devastation caused by operations such as oil extraction through work experience. Considering the irresponsibility and lack of accountability that is commonplace within large industrial companies, it is extremely unlikely and unrealistic to expect any plans of development to be carried out the “right” way, rather than the “cost effective” way.

On behalf of many people I believe that it is fair to say that developing such a pristine and increasingly rare piece of land is an utter tragedy. Somewhere the line must be drawn and the government must adhere to the wishes of its people.

Untouched land such as that of the Peel has intrinsic value; it provides for us, it nurtures wildlife, it is of unmatched beauty and no amount of profit can replace this untouched wilderness once it is destroyed.

Humankind’s separation from nature is frightening and it is of utmost importance that we as a society change our ways, and an excellent way to start is through protecting the Peel.

We live in a finite world that is run by individuals who seem to believe our Earth is infinite.

I do not have all the answers, I do not have all of the facts, nor do I fully understand the extent of the government’s intentions. However, I am steadfast in my belief that it is crucial to protect this ecologically significant area, one of the increasingly few that remain on this Earth.

I realize that my email is of little significance in the grand scheme of things; however, I appreciate the time you have taken to consider my thoughts and opinions and I can only hope that this developmental plan will be reconsidered in a way that can satisfy both sides of the issue.

Jacob Alexander

Wolfville, Nova Scotia