Opposed to Beaver Dam Gold Mine Project

Reference Number
235
Text

Beaver Dam Mine Project

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

200-1801 Hollis Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3N4

Telephone: 902-426-0564

Fax: 902-426-6550

Email: bdmine-minebd@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

 

I, Jo-Anna Halfyard, am writing in response to the revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), for the proposed Beaver Dam Mine Project. I have personally been following closely the decades-long run and ever-evolving West River Restortation Project, have visited the sites to see first-hand the innovative and world-class research and restoration efforts in action there. My three daughters, ages 10, 8 and 5 have also visited the sites on many occasions and have been so excited about the work  that is happening there that they go back to their schools and share what it is all about with their teachers and friends. All of them want to grow up to be scientists to “help save the wildlife and rivers just like the hard workers on the West River”.

I have reviewed the revised EIS and agree with ALL of the concerns raised by the Nova Scotia Salmon Association (NSSA) in their official submission to the IAAC and support their comments that are based on science and their extremely in-depth knowledge of and familiarity with the land area in question.

I would also like to highlight that the amount of government funding that has been invested into the West River Restoration Project over the past two decades is astronomical - and rightfully so based on the immense proven success of the project. Given the support and world-wide recognition of the project, it is difficult to comprehend how this geographical area is even being considered as a possible location for a mining site which could put it all at risk.   If this mine is permitted to go ahead then clearly there must be conversations and deals happening behind closed doors.

To build on the NSSA's concern raised that the economic benefits to Nova Scotia are minor relative to the value of the restoration project and the conservation progress already realized, I would like to ask  you to consider - are a few hundred short-term jobs and a potential profit for a few worth jeopardizing a world-class, world-leading innovative river restoration research and action project? No one is saying that jobs are not important, but the creation of jobs cannot be used as an argument of support for the gold mine to go ahead, as there are lots of opportunities for the creation of jobs that do good and do not pose a risk of harm. What an opportunity Nova Scotia has here to say no to the gold mine, but instead use our creativity, knowledge and innovation to create more jobs that are designed specifically to improve the environmental condition and landscape of our province?  In fact, the West River Restoration Project itself contributed to the creation of local environmentally “green” jobs.  This proposed mine has also triggered a lot of conversation about abandoned mine clean-ups in Nova Scotia and the massive cost that they are going to be (upwards of $ 60 million) – our own taxpayers footing the bill no doubt for a private mining company’s profits. How can this be considered acceptable? The creation of “green” jobs has already been identified as the way of the future and it is time to make decisions that put it into action, not the reverse.  This gold mine would be the reverse. We should never be looking to negatively impact our land for the sole purpose of job creation and profit. With regards to the “individual” (mostly copy and pasted) and “non-biased” (employee equals conflict of interests) submissions on this matter from Atlantic Gold employees, the public is aware of their track record, legal battles and charges and so any comments and promises made by the company to address and mitigate the environmental concerns are completely and absolutely empty and should hold no value or weight.

I also would like to express that it is devastating for Nova Scotia residents to witness a growing number of decisions in our province being made based on filling someone’s pockets with money so that they have more than their neighbors with no regard, concern or thoughtfulness for what is the right thing to do for our one and only environment. Nova Scotia’s landscape is already becoming unrecognizable with all of the recent decisions across many areas of industry, population growth and business development that have focused primarily on growth, jobs and profitability. What has happened to our priorities? We are losing our Nova Scotia as we have always known it.

In closing, I, Jo-Anna Halfyard, am strongly opposed to the proposed Beaver Dam Mine project. The West River watershed and adjacent sub-watersheds are valuable and vulnerable resources that need our constant protection.  I also stand in solidarity with the many partner conservation associations and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in opposition to this proposal. Let our children continue growing up witnessing and being inspired by life and world-changing initiatives like the West River Restoration Project. Let them not bear witness to profit-based mining companies destroy it. The children and youth of Nova Scotia are closely watching what happens with this decision.

I respectfully submit my response to the EIS and appreciate that each and every submission will be considered.

Sincerely,

Jo-Anna Halfyard

Submitted by
Jo-Anna Halfyard
Phase
N/A
Public Notice
Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Revised Summary of the Environmental Impact Statement
Attachment(s)
N/A
Date Submitted
2021-12-17 - 3:15 PM
Date modified: