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Percy Barrett, Opposition Environment and Conservation Critic and MHA for
the District of Bellevue, is calling on the provincial government to
investigate the possible past usage of the toxic herbicide Agent Orange and
its derivatives in this province. "I have received inquiries about the use
of this dangerous chemical in this province and some research by our office
raised further questions," said Barrett. "We know that defoliants were
sprayed along power lines, the railway bed and possibly at American bases in
the province in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Given the harmful effects of these
chemicals and the strong possibility that they may have been used in this
province, I am asking that the Minister of Environment and Conservation
undertake a full investigation and test areas for possible contaminants.
"I am also concerned about the possible health impacts on the people who
may have come into contact with these chemicals during that time. The people
who sprayed the chemicals and even those in the areas where the spray was
used may have been affected. Soil, water and vegetation tests should be
conducted to determine if there are any lasting effects from the use of
these toxic herbicides. Government has a responsibility to the people who
may have come into contact with these chemicals to provide some
clarification of what chemicals were used."
The Liberal MHA explained that prior to the 1980s, he is unaware of any
requirement for companies using chemicals to register with the provincial
government. Many chemicals which are now considered very dangerous were
easily available and their use was not regulated.
"Recent news articles have confirmed that commercial versions of Agent
Orange were used in New Brunswick along power lines. The people who did the
spraying in that province received government compensation for possible
harmful exposure that may result in long-term health problems."
The possible impacts of Agent Orange became an issue this summer as a
result of the release of information that testing of Agent Orange and other
defoliants took place at the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick
by the U.S. Military in the 1960's. Agent Orange was sprayed in Vietnam by
the U.S. Military during the Vietnam war and has been linked to many health
problems.
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