Dear Ecojustice supporter, My name is Teika Newton. I live in Kenora, Ontario, and like many of you, environmental advocacy has been part of my life for a very long time. From a very young age, I learned from my mom a deep reverence and respect for nature when we would explore the forests looking for wildflowers, rare orchids, interesting insects, mushrooms, and more. I recognized how much the forests and lakes of our area give us life; they provide food and shelter, respite and sanctuary. But now all of that is under threat. You see, the prospect of TransCanada's Energy East project transporting crude oil through our region raised alarm bells for our community. This project poses a huge risk to our regions' drinking water, boreal ecosystems, and local tourism. I feel a sacred obligation to care for the nature surrounding us and to protect it, for myself and for all members of my community, including my children and future descendants. But I can't do it alone.
Thanks to you, I am not alone. When you support Ecojustice, you are helping protect me and my community. As the Executive Director for Transition Initiative Kenora, I'm enormously grateful for the legal support we are receiving from Ecojustice to help defend our community against the risks the Energy East project poses. While Ecojustice represents TIK as a local grassroots community group, please know the interests they are defending extend to you and all Canadians. They are holding government accountable for decisions made in the national public interest, and ensuring the public has the opportunity to participate in decision-making on Canada's energy in a fair and transparent way. In a world where pristine wilderness grows scarcer by the minute, we have a global responsibility to be good stewards of Canada's precious wilderness. With your help, we're protecting water and wilderness for today and for future generation. With sincerest appreciation, Teika Newton.