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While submissions from Intervenors and the first pre hearing conference are almost immediate, Manitoba Hydro does not file its information under end of summer 2013. The public hearings are likely to be held between February and April 2013, with a final report, and rulings due June 2014.

The Bipole III transmission project to provide a 1400 km direct current system from northern Manitoba to converter stations near Winnipeg is not included in the NFAT review.

The scope for the NFAT terms of reference require that Manitoba Hydro's Plan must be "justified as superior to potential alternatives that could fulfill the ( energy ) need."

When Manitoba (the Crown) issued leases and licenses to three peat mining companies (Sunterra, Berger, Sungro) it did not consult with the First Nations in the region. Recently two peat mining licenses were re-issued in the Washow Peninsula, a kidney for Lake Winnipeg.

Peguis First Nation, Fisher River First Nation and Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation are requesting an immediate moratorium on all leases and licenses for peat mining operations in the Interlake. Furthermore, the three First Nations are requesting that all peat mining leases and licenses in the Interlake be revoked.

The Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), while not well known outside scientific circles, has become a political embarrassment for the government, a lightning rod for critics who say the spendthrift Conservatives are hacking away at environmental science while spending huge amounts on advertising and communications.

The Harper Government isn't the first government to threaten it with the axe, said scientist David Schindler, one of the ELA founders. The University of Alberta ecologist said putting the facility under the care of the IISD is a good fit.

"It wouldn't take much to be a better home than DFO, which I've always felt was a wicked stepmother to a Cinderella project." He said this is the fourth time a government has tried to close the project. "It will, I think, be good for the ELA to be free of that curse," said Schindler.

"We are at a critical moment," says the letter. "In the words of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 'each additional ton of greenhouse gases emitted commits us to further change and greater risks.' The longer we delay the transition to low-carbon economy, the more drastic, disruptive and costly that transition will be." The letter is dated May 7 and signed by a dozen scientists at universities across Canada.

Canada's natural resources minister insists the federal government believes climate change is an urgent matter and says his recent comments on climate science will not erode Canada's credibility or chances at U.S. approval for the Keystone XL pipeline.

In Ottawa, John Stone, a professor of environmental studies and geography at Carleton University, said time is rapidly running out. "I don't think he fully appreciates what the science behind climate change is saying," said Stone. "We are offering to help better inform a much needed debate on the biggest problem we are facing."

"The AFN and First Nation leaders have been advocating for Dr. James Anaya, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to visit Canada. This will be an important opportunity to build awareness of indigenous issues and solutions at the international level," said AFN National Chief Shawn a-in-chut Atleo.

"First Nations in Canada have suffered from historic injustices, dispossession and denial of our lands, territories and resources. We must move forward respectfully towards recognition of title and implementation of Treaty and these visits can play an important role in affirming that action on these measures is needed now."

Last year, the Harper government condemned the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter, after he decried Canada's 'self-righteous' attitude towards hunger and poverty.

"I wish it weren't true, but it looks like the world is going to blow through the 400-ppm level without losing a beat," said Scripps Institution geochemist Ralph Keeling in a press statement. Keeling's late father began taking the measurements have come to form the 'Keeling Curve' At this pace we'll hit 450 ppm within a few decades," he added.

The Mauna Loa carbon dioxide (CO2) record, also known as the "Keeling Curve," is the world's longest unbroken record of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. This record, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operated Mauna Loa Observatory, near the top of Mauna Loa on the big island of Hawaii, shows that carbon dioxide has been increasing steadily from values around 317 parts per million (ppm) when Charles D. Keeling began measurements in 1958, to nearly 400 ppm today.

The EC action comes as scientists and regulators have grown increasingly concerned about the impact of colony collapse disorder on the world's food supply, given that the majority of the planet's 100 most important food crops depend on insect pollination.

"Too many products contain chemicals that do not belong in items we give our kids. To truly protect children, manufacturers need to identify safer ways to make their products and stop using harmful chemicals," said Erika Schreder, science director for the Washington Toxics Coalition. "These reports are critical for understanding the presence of toxic chemicals in our homes and the marketplace." Many of these same products are marketed and available in Canada.

The Washington Toxics Coalition is a nonprofit organization that works to protect public health and the environment from toxic chemicals in Washington state. www.watoxics.org, www.facebook.com/watoxics or @WA_Toxics

The April 24 release of terms of reference, and standards for the review was preceded by: a January 2011 formal directive from the former deputy premier of Manitoba, and the November 2012 announcement the review will in fact be conducted, and several confirmations from the Manitoba government along the way. The Bipole III 500 kv dc transmission project is not part of this review.

With a due date of June 2014 for the PUB report on the matter, for cabinet consideration, a variety of technical reviews, public hearings, and exchanges of information between the PUB and Manitoba Hydro will fill the next year.

The PUB will be announcing the public participation process soon. A panel of five has been appointed. The PUB will also contract experts to assist in this review.

The terms of reference for this review and hearings include standards for use of and discussion of commercially sensitive information.

Environmental assessments, reviews, and potential licensing are not part of this review, including with respect to new transmission, and new generation. The last time a NFAT review was conducted in Manitoba the Wuskwatim generation station and transmission system was reviewed through Manitoba's Clean Environment Commision, in 2004.

On many occasions the province has issued permits, licenses and other land dispositions which constitute a breach of constitutionally protected Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Due to mounting frustration, First Nations in Manitoba will stop the provincial blockade against their traditional economies by declaring moratoriums on resource development on their traditional territories. First Nation "Stop Work Orders" on mine development are now being posted and will be enforced.

On Friday, April 26, 2013 a dozen Manitoba Chiefs held a press conference at the Manitoba Mines Branch Winnipeg Offices. Each spoke about the need to protect lands, waters, and Aboriginal rights.

"I think it's an important scientific endeavour and I don't believe that either provincially, regionally, or nationally and internationally we can afford to let it go," Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said in her announcement.

"What is special about the ELA is that it takes research out of the lab and right into the environment - so the ELA presents a rare opportunity for research, perhaps unique in the world," president and IISD CEO Scott Vaughan said in a statement.

Premier Wynne says the Ontario government will provide operating support and work toward an agreement with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and other partners so that the important science conducted in the ELA can continue.

The Experimental Lakes Area was established in 1968 and is located near Kenora, Ontario, in the Lake of the Woods watershed.

Source: ibajaynuuk.blogspot.ca

Aleqa Hammond, who was educated in Canada, and brought up with traditional skills such as curing seal skins, indicated she would take a more critical look at Chinese mining investments in Greenland. She also pledged to increase royalties on miners and ensure they talked through staffing plans with trade unions.

Her government has put a moratorium on any new oil drilling permits in Greenland's waters and lands. Greenland is a member of the Arctic Council, which Canada chairs for 2013.