Today, eight of the world's top aquatic research scientists released a letter, asking Prime Minister Stephen Harper to reconsider his government’s decision to stop funding the Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora.
Known as the ELA, the area is used to test the effects of various pollutants and toxins on aquatic ecosystems and determine ways to repair damage to water bodies using 58 isolated lakes in northwestern Ontario. No other program in the world like it exists and research is currently underway to help solve the algae bloom problem plaguing Lake Winnipeg.
The program, which is based in Winnipeg along with most of its scientists, costs the federal government about $2 million a year to deliver.
Activists and scientists from around the world have been very vocal about cutting this program. Among them is the MGEU, which announced last year it would provide $20,000 over five years to establish a new scholarship fund supporting research on Lake Winnipeg.
“When you look at the return on investment, it’s incredibly short-sighted for our government to do this, especially when you consider a $2 million a year program could save Lake Winnipeg and countless other lakes across our country,” said MGEU President Lois Wales.
If you want to help, visit saveela.org/public-petition/ and download a petition to circulate. There is NO deadline, but the Coalition to Save ELA is strongly urging people to return as many completed petitions by tomorrow, June 6th.