FORT CHIPEWYAN, Alta. - Aboriginal leaders say they reject an upcoming report on cancer rates among their people who live downstream of Alberta's oilsands.
The Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations say the Alberta Cancer Board study expected to be released later this fall does not include any input from its community health board or elders.
The First Nations say they have repeatedly expressed concerns to the province about health problems, including the number of people with cancer in the area north of Fort McMurray.
Steve Courtoreille, chairman of the Nunee Health Board Society, says they no longer trust the province to provide accurate information.
Environment Minister Rob Renner was visiting Fort Chipewyan to meet with community leaders.
Alberta Cancer Board spokeswoman Lee Elliott says the report is being peer reviewed by international experts, and the board hopes to release it before the end of the year.
