Scott Niedermayer speaks out against Northern Gateway project

World Wildlife Federation–Canada's website features a blog post from retired hockey star Scott Niedermayer.

Only there's one small problem. The person who put the item on the WWF-Canada site misspelled his surname.

Niedermayer, who grew up in Cranbrook, is urging people to file statements against Enbridge's Northern Gateway Project. Here's what he wrote:

With your voice behind us, WWF and the Coastal First Nations have sounded powerful messages about the unacceptable risk this project poses to the Great Bear, our Canadian treasure. We’ve urged provincial and federal decision-makers to understand what is really at stake here. We’ve helped voice the concerns of communities, leaders, artists and students from across the country. And we’ve spoken out for whales, bears, and other animals that cannot do so on their own.

You are critical to amplifying and spreading these messages. By joining our conversations on Facebook and Twitter, by reading and sharing our blog posts—you are raising a louder voice and helping reach more Canadians. Check in with us regularly. Our activities will build in exciting ways over the coming weeks.

And today, right now, we need your voice more than ever.

August 31st is the deadline for public comment to the Joint Review Panel . This body is charged with assessing whether the Northern Gateway project is in Canada’s best interest. Please take a few moments to register your comments online right now.

Thank you again. It’s through your voice and commitment that we will stand up to protect the future of this most precious place.

– Scott Neidermayer [sic]

Niedermayer has spoken out against the Northern Gateway Project in the past. Last year, he joined forces with the Ktunaxa Nation in opposing a ski resort in the Jumbo Valley.

He has demonstrated leadership abilities before, serving as captain on Canada's gold-medal-winning Olympic hockey team and leading his team to the Stanley Cup.

Given his high profile, intelligence, and personal popularity, I wouldn't be surprised if Niedermayer has already been approached to run for political office.

Scott Niedermayer speaks about something other than hockey.

Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight.