December 1, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE: The Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium's response to the agreement reached on uranium exploration in Eastern Ontario by the Ontario Algonquins, Frontenac Ventures Corporation and the Province of Ontario.

Re: Building Relationships Through Consultation. Ontario, First Nations And Industry Reach Agreement On Mineral Exploration In Eastern Ontario

http://www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca/english/news/2008/nov28nr_08.asp

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The Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU) has always been very supportive of our First Nation allies in the common fight against uranium exploration and mining in Eastern Ontario. Though we appreciate all of the hard work that has gone into reaching the concessions the Shabot Obaadjiwan and Snimikobi Algonquin have earned in these negotiations, CCAMU cannot accept any outcome that allows Frontenac Ventures Corporation to explore for uranium in the Mississippi River watershed west of Ottawa.

These negotiations were conducted behind closed doors with no involvement whatsoever by property owners, businesses or any of the 23 municipal governments in southern Ontario that have petitioned the Province for a moratorium against uranium exploration and drilling. We believe that this shows that the McGuinty government does not take seriously the concerns of 2 million residents represented by these Councils, which include Ottawa, Kingston, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and many other smaller townships and counties in eastern Ontario.

In the summer of 2007, the First Nations and non-native communities of Eastern Ontario came together to create a powerful force that has gained much attention worldwide. The Ontario government is now attempting to diminish our collective strength by turning allies against each other and ignoring thousands of taxpaying constituents, who have been protesting the exploration and mining of uranium in their communities.

The CCAMU represents thousands of landowners and concerned citizens who have not been consulted on the agreement reached by Ontario, First Nations and Frontenac Ventures Corp. on mineral exploration in Eastern Ontario.

It is the position of CCAMU that:

1. We strongly oppose drilling for uranium in areas of eastern Ontario.
2. The community has a valid interest in any agreement that includes exploration for uranium in our townships, counties and region and we object to the fact that the interests of the majority of affected stakeholders have not been considered.
3. We do not agree that the closed-door negotiations with Algonquin representatives protects our health, safety and the environment.
4. We support the call from 23 municipal Councils for a moratorium against uranium exploitation until proper analysis of environmental, economic and social impacts can be completed.

CCAMU will not be deterred from its goals and expects the Ontario government to:

* Establish a moratorium on exploration of uranium in eastern Ontario;
* Rejoin mining rights with surface rights in southern Ontario;
* Replace the system of free entry with a system of permitting that includes environmental assessment, public input and financial assurance in order to balance needs and minimize conflict; and,
* Ensure there is a process to identify ‘no-go’ zones (areas where mining activities will not be permitted.)

CCAMU contacts:

Marilyn Crawford
613-273-4511

Donna Dillman
613-259-9988

Wolfe Erlichman
613-273-3986

John Kittle
613 278 1007