Foothills MP John Barlow has chimed in on the situation around proposed open pit mines along the eastern slopes in his riding.

Barlow says he'd like to see a balance struck between jobs and the economy and the environment.

"We want to ensure that this area is protected. At the same time there are opportunities maybe for Grassy Mountain or Brownfield, that have been a mine previously. But it still has to go the regulatory regime and go through the environmental assessment process and the joint review panel which is going on right now."

Barlow says everyone needs to have their voices heard and concerns addressed.

"They have to ensure that the public consultation has been robust and everyone's had a chance to have their insight and their input and they have to meet the environmental assessment and the regulatory review that's in place. If they don't then these mines shouldn't proceed. But if they do, then I think they should go ahead."

One of the biggest issues raised by opponents is the potential for selenium and other chemicals to find their way into the Oldman River watershed.

He says it's something he's concerned about too.

"My number one concern would be the selenium and those types of things and that they are addressed. But again, if they don't meet the criteria and the review panel is not satisfied they've met that criteria, then they shouldn't go ahead."

Barlow says he's not sure he'd be comfortable seeing all the proposed mines approved, but perhaps limited to one or two instead, if they pass the regulatory process.

 

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