Contested Futures: Tar Sands and Environmental Justice

Reports on front-line resistance, discussion, and the search for answers.

Convener: Eva Portillo, Toronto Bolivia Solidarity. Panelists:

• Raul Burbano, Common Frontiers and Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network, reporting back from Rio+20 and the People’s Summit, Brazil
• Bryan Dale, Toronto Chapter Council of Canadians, reporting back from Rio+20 and the People’s Summit, Brazil
• Ron Plain, anti-pollution activist from Aamjiwnaang environment group near Sarnia, Ontario
• John Henhawk, Six Nations of the Grand River environmental and land rights advocate

Environmental Justice is a global issue. The Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development has once again displayed government and corporate indifference to environmental needs. Environmental Justice is an issue in Canada. The tar sands in Alberta threaten water, land and human rights. Now tar sands oil may be coming to Sarnia, Ontario. Environmental Justice is an issue in Toronto. Residents of Dundalk, Ontario, with Six Nations support, are protesting proposed shipments of Toronto biosolids to their community.

Sponsored by Toronto Bolivia Solidarity. Recorded in Toronto, 30 July 2012.