Fracking testimony in Watson Lake comes with a beat

About 30 people came out in Watson Lake to have their say on Yukon fracking policy, with many saying fracking can be done safely and create jobs.

"I support hydraulic fracturing in the Yukon, especially in southeast Yukon, said Cheryl OBrien.

Jenny Skelton agreed.

Right now, all I hear, I hate to use this word, but hysterical propaganda anti-fracking. I really would like to hear the good parts of fracking as well as the bad things about fracking, but I don't want to be swayed by propaganda."

A six-person, all-party committee of MLAs is holding hearings across the territory in order to write a report this fall on the risks and benefits of hydraulic fracturing in the territory.

The most vivid presentation came from Sarah Newton, the land manager for the Liard First Nation, who presented a rap song, Dont frack with my habitat.

Newton says traditional hunting and fishing cant happen unless the ecosystem is intact.

People say you can't go hunting north, there's mining projects that way. You can't go hunting to the east because there's development that has happened that way. And you can't go hunting to the West because of the highway and all the impacts that are happening there.

Newton acknowledged that the oil and gas industry has changed, but says its not enough.

Many environmental practices in the industry have changed and improved, but what's not arethe economic benefits reaching the community level.

Opponents of fracking voiced concerns over groundwater and effects on wildlife.

The committee also received a petition against fracking signed by local Kaska people.

The MLA committee will be in Teslin tonight, Old Crow on Wednesday and Dawson City on Thursday.

Hear more voices both for and against frackingin Watson Lake: