Carcross, Yukon, residents speak out against fracking

More than 100 people in Carcross, Yukon, came out to a meeting last night to talk about fracking, and speakers were overwhelmingly against the practice.

An all-party legislative committee has been gathering opinion at public hearings on the risks and benefits of hydraulic fracturing since June.

Carcross resident Harold Gattensby spoke to the group with passion.

We don't have the right as human beings to contaminate this earth for all of creation.

Patricia James shared that view.

I vote no to fracking, I think it would have more of a negative effect than a positive effect on my neighbours, my land, the water.

Elke Huber was another.

Using the method of fracking is a crime against life because it consciously accepts that millions of litres of fresh and clean water will be turned into chemical waste and stored deep underground.

Charlie James of the Carcross Tagish First Nation reminded the MLAs that his group has already passed resolutions against the practice.

CTFN as a government has laid down the foundation saying we do not want hydraulic fracturing within our traditional territory, James said.

And we will not let industry come in and dictate to us what needs to be done.

Whitehorse hearings begin tonight

The select committee is set to hear more Yukoners' voices tonightwhen public meetings continue at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre in Whitehorse at 5 p.m.

A second hearing will take place in Whitehorse at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the same location.

The Select Committee Regarding the Risks and Benefits of Hydraulic Fracturing aims to produce a report to the full assembly during the fall sitting.