by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (DEC 13/96) - The federal government has to act quickly to lower contaminant levels in Northern Canada, according to the Canadian Polar Commission.

Whit Fraser, commission chair, made the recommendation Monday in Iqaluit after releasing a new report.

Fraser said there has to be more focus on the Arctic environment, and how contaminants are affecting the food supply in these areas.

The commission's report refers to the North as a "global sink" for pollutants from around the planet. There is evidence Northerners are already experiencing the effects of transported contaminants.

A recent study in some Baffin communities, for example, revealed that PCB levels in mother's milk were considerably higher than samples tested in southern Canada.

"There has to be spot checks of the Northern food sources," said Fraser. "This includes labs in the North that will do research."

The situation is particularly troubling for aboriginals who depend on the land for food.

Fraser said that more research needs to be done to determine the harmful levels of contaminants.

"There aren't any standards set in Canada right now," he said. "Health Canada should have standards set, but there needs to be more sampling. Right now there isn't a lot of clarity on the issue."

The commission also suggests that there is a great need for education in areas where traditional food is a staple.

People across the Arctic who depend on country food are concerned about the safety of their food supply, the report says.

Fraser also recommends that a panel be established to deal with contaminants in northern Quebec and Labrador.

"Those areas depend on land and resources similar to the North," he said. "It's important these are included. There has to be more research into these areas, and how the contaminants are affecting them."

Fraser said such a program is desperately needed, and its cost would be a small price to pay compared with the consequences. "Whatever the figure, you have to remember the long-term cost to the environment," he said.