by Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
THEBACHA/FORT SMITH

Updated, Thursday, September 11, 2008
A day after the announcement of a federal election next month, NDP leader Jack Layton made an appearance in Fort Smith to discuss his concerns about Canada's North. Layton, along with Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington and Edmonton-Strathcona candidate Linda Duncan, spoke to reporters at the lookout of the Slave River. Speaking about the tar sands in Alberta, which Layton flew over in his campaign plane, he called for an end to development approvals.

"The consequences of this development are not just limited to the areas we've been flying over in our journey," said Layton, adding the pollutants end up "ultimately in the Arctic."

Layton condemned Prime Minister Stephen Harper for fast tracking Imperial Oil's Kearl tar sands project, which according to Layton could have "damaging consequences to the North." Layton advocated a move toward renewable resources and energy efficiency. He questioned Harper's commitment to Northerners, saying the prime minister has shown his allegiance lies with big oil and gas companies.

"The big oil and gas companies can't be trusted," said Layton. Bevington, a former mayor of Fort Smith, said the community is also experiencing air pollution coming from the Alberta tar sands. "That's a considerable distance away," he said.

A large group of Fort Smith residents also came out to hear Layton's speech. Most said they were impressed with the NDP leader's concern for the North and felt his campaign stop in Fort Smith showed that.

"He showed the North that he knows we're here and knows we matter," said resident Jessica Hval. "It's nice to be acknowledged." Don Jaque said Layton's concern for the environment was made clear. "He comes here and says it's a number 1 thing. It shows he does take it seriously," said Jaque. "I think it's an appropriate place to start the election," said Laura Aubrey.