July 23, 2008

Dear Premier McGuinty,

On behalf of our members and supporters, the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU) acknowledges your efforts toward resolving the issues surrounding claim staking and exploration for uranium in Frontenac County in Eastern Ontario.

We approve of orders 52-08 and 53-08 withdrawing lands from staking, sale or lease. We view this as a positive first step, on the part of MNDM, toward addressing the issues and reducing the anxiety facing our communities.

Further action is now needed to clarify and consolidate the progress being made. We understand that the status of the land encompassed by the recent withdrawals is uncertain. Yet on August 1, 2007, mining lease number 108149, in Palmerston district, was renewed, even though the lease is within the area where the status is uncertain. We therefore believe that the renewal was made in error. Please tell us what action you will take to reverse the renewal and to resolve this issue.

We realize that the land described in the withdrawal orders could theoretically be reopened to staking at some point. We ask that, in addition to uncertainty of land status, other factors be seriously considered in regard to the availability of lands for staking, sale or lease for exploration or mining. In particular, we expect due weight to be given to the concerns of the public around health, the environment and community sustainability. We trust this process will lead to the permanent withdrawal of the lands in question from exploration and mining for uranium.

We bring to you attention that 23 Municipal Councils so far have petitioned the Province for a moratorium on uranium exploration and/or for substantive changes to the Mining Act (see attached list of municipalities.) In addition, scores of organizations and thousands of eastern Ontario voters have supported our call for a suspension of uranium development pending a proper study of environmental, social and economic impacts. A list of these organizations is also attached.

The withdrawal of lands is a good first step. Cancellation of mining lease 108149 is another important and immediate step that would help to address some major concerns. Further progress would include following the lead of other provinces that have imposed a moratorium of significant restrictions on uranium exploration and development. We have attached information about New Brunswick's recent introduction of such regulations to address public concerns and protect drinking water, and of the measures in place in Nova Scotia and British Columbia.

CCAMU is committed to achieving our goal of stopping exploration and mining of uranium in Frontenac and Lanark Counties. We have recently released the report of the Citizens' Inquiry into the Impacts of the Uranium Cycle. "Staking our Claim on a Healthy Future" is available on-line at www.ccamu.ca . We have sent a personal copy to your Ministry office. This report reflects the facts, issues and concerns about the uranium cycle as expressed by the people who participated in the Inquiry, and makes key recommendations which should be very helpful to your government in addressing these complex but vital matters.

We will welcome the opportunity to meet with you as soon as possible, to discuss the Inquiry report, provide more information, and work toward a positive resolution to these issues which have such serious impact on our community and other Ontarians.

We are also writing to your colleagues and Ministers with the same information. We ask you to commit to a scheduled meeting with us by the end of August to pursue these matters.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Crawford
Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium

cc. Assistant Deputy Minister Christine Kaszycki, MNDM