Moose meat reports confusing residents
Last Updated: Friday, November 17, 2006 | 11:36 AM CT
CBC News
Northern Alberta residents are confused by conflicting reports on arsenic levels in moose meat from the region's oilsands development.
A study by Suncor Energy predicts oilsands development will lead to extremely high levels of arsenic in moose meat.
However, Imperial Oil refutes the results and Alberta Health says it is doing its own testing.
Fort Chipewyan's local health director, Donna Cyprien, told CBC News Thursday people have been asking her whether it's safe to eat the moose.
"I wouldn't go out and tell people not to eat it … and I wouldn't tell them to eat it either," Cyprien said. "I think that's going to have to be a personal choice."
Alex Mercredi, who has eaten moose meat all his life, said residents in the region have a lot of questions about how the oilsands are affecting the plants and animals.
"I'd rather eat moose meat because it's good for my body," he said. "Is it safe for me to eat it?"
Mercredi said people in his community of Assumption also fear the water is contaminated and buy bottled water instead.
