Hayes silent on this. Another Northern MP isn't

SooToday.com has reported previously on the Harper government's intention to close a Northwestern Ontario freshwater research facility this month if no operator is found.

The Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) does long-term analysis of pollutants' affects on freshwater ecosystems.

It is the only research resource of its kind in the world.

The first article noted that Sault MP Bryan Hayes did not respond to an invitation from SooToday.com to comment.

Hayes' views were sought because of water's importance for all Northerners, including those living in his riding.

At the time, Hayes was a member of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

Related coverage in early January included a news release and letter (a copy of which was sent to all Members of Parliament) from scientists attending the Canadian Conference for Fisheries Research in Windsor.

Today, Bruce Hyer, the independent MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, issued the following news release:

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Northern Ontario rally to save Experimental Lakes Area

'Save ELA Day' proclaimed by City of Kenora, City of Dryden as less than a month remains to find new ELA operator
 
KENORA — Residents of Northwestern Ontario gathered with scientists in Kenora, Sioux Lookout and Dryden today on “Save ELA Day” to hold public meetings on stopping the federal government’s announced closure of the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA).
 
“People in Northern Ontario are extremely concerned,” said Independent MP Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay-Superior North). “There are only weeks left for the Conservative government to find a suitable operator to take over our Experimental Lakes Area, before we lose it forever. This world-renowned research facility is a source of pride for our region, responsible for breakthroughs that have helped prevent acid rain and phosphate pollution, amongst many others.”
 
As many as 16 municipalities in Northern Ontario have passed resolutions calling on the federal government to reverse its decision to close the ELA: Ignace, Dryden, Kenora, Lake of the Woods, Atikokan, Chapple, Dorion, Gillies, Hornepayne, Neebing, Rainy River, Red Rock, Sioux Lookout, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Terrace Bay, and Thunder Bay.
 
Hyer was in Kenora for a 5:30 p.m. ELA dinner and meeting at Knox United Church, where he added: “I know Kenora MP Greg Rickford was invited to the last meeting his constituents held on the ELA, but declined to attend. He has also refused to introduce their petitions on the ELA in Parliament. I hope he changes his attitude and accepts their invite to tonight’s public meeting.”
 
“Canada's ELA is the most innovative water research facility in the world, and if we lose it, we lose our ability to predict human impacts on lake ecosystems and prevent damage.” said Dr. Jules Blais, president of the Society of Canadian Limnologists. “The Canadian government is terminating a 44-year monitoring record for air and water at a time when the environment is experiencing unprecedented impacts from climate warming, invasive species, and toxic chemicals like mercury. It’s our hope that these efforts in Kenora will help persuade the government to finally listen to Canadians and scientists alike, and not abandon its investment in ELA.”
 
"The whole ELA situation is a poster child of what is wrong with governance based on ideology rather than reason,” said Hyer. “It illustrates today’s excessive party control and how MPs can represent Conservative interests to their constituents rather than constituents' interests in Ottawa. It’s also penny-wise and pound foolish: paying up to $50 million to close a $2 million per year facility – and in the process costing taxpayers and industry billions for future legal claims, environmental cleanups, and health costs. Finally, closing the ELA is Exhibit A in the government’s assault on reason, killing any science that is inconvenient. You simply can’t run a country by sticking your head in the sand.”
 
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