CCAMU - The Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium

Good morning,

I am Marilyn Crawford from the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium.
Today we are releasing a report called ‘Staking our Claim For a Healthy Future’. Sitting on my left is John Sewell who wrote the report and will be describing the recommendations included in the report. Beside John, is Joan Barton from Environment Haliburton who will be describing the situation involving exploration for uranium that is taking place in Haliburton. She will explain the impacts and concerns of her community. John Miller who is with Families Against Radiation Exposure is sitting on my right. He is from Port Hope and will be outlining some of the concerns about the processing of uranium in that community.

The report, ‘Staking our Claim For a Healthy Future’ is the outcome of the Citizens’ Inquiry into the Impacts of the Uranium Cycle which was held in response to growing concerns and turmoil about the mining and use of uranium in Ontario.

The Citizens’ Inquiry was sparked by the actions of many groups including:
• the occupation of a uranium exploration site by the Ardoch Algonquin and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations (which led to the jailing of retired Chief, Professor Robert Lovelace),
• the 68-day hunger strike by grandmother Donna Dillman, and
• the partnership of many concerned communities and citizen groups across
Ontario.

These actions were in response to uranium exploration near Sharbot Lake and other parts of Ontario.

The Inquiry held public hearings in Sharbot Lake, Kingston, Peterborough and Ottawa, where oral and written submissions were received by members of the Inquiry panel – Marion Dewar, Lorraine Rekmans, Janet Gutowski, Laurie McKnight Walker, Cameron Smith, Fraser McVie and Jamie Swift. The panel listened objectively, and compiled observations, summary statements and recommendations.

The Inquiry built on the growing concern expressed by twenty municipal Councils, including the cities of Ottawa, Kingston and Peterborough and three counties, several not-for-profit organizations, First Nations and thousands of Ontario residents who have petitioned the Ontario government for a public review of the Mining Act and/or a moratorium on uranium exploration and mining in eastern Ontario.

• The inquiry offered Ontarians the opportunity to voice their thoughts, concerns, experiences, knowledge and expertise on issues related to the uranium cycle – from claim staking and exploration to mining, enrichment, power generation, weapons potential and the disposal of spent fuel rods. As one Panel Member explained, “There were consistently strong recommendations by the speakers that our governments at both the provincial and federal levels need to update the current Canadian laws regarding land use responsive to new knowledge, science, First Nations concerns, climate change, and including open engagement with the wider public.”

• The Inquiry witnessed the high degree of awareness and concern from a broad range of community members and was backed up by facts from experts. One panel Member stated, “[Those who presented to the Citizens’ Inquiry] spoke with passionate voice urging our Ontario Liberal Government to take another hard look at the devastating environmental and social consequences of uranium mining in Ontario.”

• The inquiry illustrates heightened tensions in the community.

One of the positive results of the Citizens’ Inquiry was a strong networking between provincial, national and international groups. We witnessed the growth of a movement, and public awareness of the full cost of the uranium cycle.

This report ‘Staking our Claim For a Healthy Future’:

• captures the essence of the inquiry

• fills a gap in information that the government does not have-the unheard voice of communities
Government now has a report that compiles issues and concerns that are backed by facts.

‘Staking our Claim For a Healthy Future’ makes crucial recommendations to the provincial and federal governments for a path forward to address concerns, resolve problems and reconcile with those affected by uranium cycle.

• Key recommendations call on government to put the health of people before any development involving uranium and to consider the full cost of nuclear power generation before investing more of taxpayers’ dollars.

In response to a question from the media, it was explained that the next steps were:

• to provide Premier McGuinty with a copy of the report, that we had asked for a meeting with him and we would be following up on this request.
• to keep on with our mission to have government listen to the unheard voice of communities.
• to continue to build a coalition related to the uranium cycle. The coalition is a movement and reflects growing public interest and concern.

Points brought out, the report was the result of

• 1000s volunteer hours

• 230 submissions that are available on line-from one paragraph to 200 pages

• 157 presentations, each 10 minutes in length and representing thousands of hours to prepare presentations and submissions, to travel and attend session

• “Many presenters acknowledged the leadership role that Aboriginal people played in protecting the environment…. Some of the presentations were highly emotional and deeply heartfelt. Presenters expressed a passion for protecting the environment and future generations.” Comment from Panel Member.

• Support of individuals and organization that trusted the vision that a few people had, to create a process and a product of merit and value.