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CN Rail has quoted that over the years, they have built solid relationships with the communities through which their trains pass. They said these relationships were based on their mutual responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens and employees alike. They work closely with federal and provincial agencies to meet safety standards and environmental regulations. And they claim that their commitment to safety is helping to make CN the safest railroad in North America.
Then why is lake Wabamun covered in 700,000 litres of bunker fuel oil? And why is the Cheakamus River full of over 40,000 litres of toxic sodium hydroxide? Or why was there a forced evacuation of a town block in Terrace? The list goes on with 72 derailments on their main tracks so far this year. With a track record like that, how could they possibly insist that their safety record is top-notch?
In regards to the Cheakamus disaster, Peter Marshall, senior vice-president of CN’s western Canada region, pledged to support the Pacific Salmon Foundation with a $250,000 contribution to be spent on future assessments of the watershed and salmon recovery plans. It will be at least 20 years before the fish can fully recover from the caustic soda spill impacts, and where is that bribe money now? A bold statement, I know, but what else could that pledge be, when after, they clearly stated that no further safety procedures would be taken to prevent this from happening again. Peter Marshal quoted to the PSF, that CN will continue to carry potentially dangerous products such as caustic soda under procedures that allow them to pull trains as long as the 125 car one, that went off the rails on Aug. 5. Federal Transport Minister Jean Lapierre ordered CN to cut its train lengths down to a maximum of 80 cars, but conveniently, it was renogiated a week later in CN's favor.
Many serious environmental disasters have been caused, because of the carelessness of CN Rails.
All of our basic necessities needed to live, are given to us by our earth. Therefore if we allow the destruction of our earth, it is inevitable that we are allowing the destruction of ourselves, and our future generations. The disasters may affect us individually as well, since no immediate warning is ever given regarding the possible health risks of the chemicals spilled. I’m sure we all heard how the initial pH levels of the toxins spilled into the Cheakamus cause serious burns, or worse if ingested or breathed in. Of course this wasn’t known until later, when people in the area were advised to test their wells.
The fact of the matter is CN shouldn’t be permitted to throw money at the situation, but instead, should take the right steps not to cause such risks to our communities and to our environment.
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Writer Profile
Cassandra Chartier
I am a 22 year old activist, writer, musician, and philosopher. I recently moved to BC because there's more opportunity for environmental work and for my band. I'm currenty organizing a protest to have the safety regulations of CN Rail changed. Please help...contact me at email for information. fallenhamster@hotmail.com
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