Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release

St. John’s, NL (June 10, 2020) – Torngat Mountains MHA Lela Evans is expressing concern regarding the recently discovered oil spill off the coast of Postville.

“Monday, the residents of Postville discovered an oil spill that was floating toward their community’s shoreline. I am greatly troubled by this spill and the way it unfolded. It was not reported until the Nunatsiavut Government Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jim Goudie and the Inuit Community Government AngajukKak Glen Sheppard, both residents of Postville, investigated complaints of a strong diesel smell in the community and a large oil slick on the water,” said Evans.

Evans continued to call upon the Government to ensure that the spill is promptly cleaned up with an investigation to follow.

“The marine area of Postville is famous for its year-round fishing which the people of area rely on for their food supply. Both the provincial and federal governments must act immediately to have the oil spill cleaned up and then launch an investigation into the cause of the spill,” said Evans.

“Unreported oil spills cannot be tolerated - it is 2020. All industries, companies, and people that do business on the north coast of Labrador must do their part to protect our lands and our environment. This spill demands immediate investigation so we can learn its root cause and prevent it from happening again,” concluded Evans.

Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Policy and Research

(p) 1.709.729.3668

BradleyRussell@gov.nl.ca

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