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IN
THIS ISSUE:
1)
REPORT: PRESS CONFERENCE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE CITIZENS' INQUIRY REPORT
2) SPEECH GIVEN BY MARILYN CRAWFORD DURING THE CCAMU PRESS
CONFERENCE
3) STOP URANIUM MINING UNTIL STUDY IS DONE ON IMPACT: COALITION
4) NORTH FRONTENAC TOWNSHIP SENDS A FOLLOW-UP LETTER TO
MCGUINTY
5) VIDEO: GERMAN TOWN CLEANS UP URANIUM MINE AT A COST OF
6 BILLION EUROS
6) ARTICLE: ENVIRONMENTALISTS WANT HALT TO URANIUM EXPLORATION
IN COTTAGE COUNTRY
7) ARTICLE: FIRST NATIONS WILL FIGHT URANIUM MINING
8) ARTICLE: LAKE ATHABASCA NORTH SHORE BUSY WITH MINING
1)
REPORT: PRESS CONFERENCE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE CITIZENS' INQUIRY REPORT
By Marilyn
Crawford
On June
24, 2008, the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU)
released the report of the Citizens Inquiry on Uranium at a press conference
held at the Queens Park Press Gallery.
The report
is called ‘Staking our Claim for a Healthy Future’ - Report
of
Citizens’ Inquiry into the Impacts of the Uranium Cycle, held in
April 2008
in Eastern Ontario.
Marilyn
Crawford introduced the panel and gave the background to the report as
well as laying out future directions such as the formation of a new
province-wide coalition.
John Sewell
spoke about the recommendations in the report. Joan Barton, from
Environment Haliburton, described the situation in Haliburton where companies
are actively exploring for uranium; and John Miller, Families Against
Radiation
Exposure, described the impacts of mined uranium on the health of the
community
of Port Hope.
Also present
at the press conference were Valarie and Gery Hunnius and Shirley
Deterling from Haliburton, Darlene Buckingham and Shawn Arscott of Bancroft,
Wolfe Erlichman (CCAMU), Joel Klassen (Christian Peacemaking Teams), Dave
Martin (Greenpeace) and a representative from Premier McGuinty’s
office.
‘Staking
our Claim for a Healthy Future’ is the result of the contribution
of volunteers who invested thousands of hours to organize the inquiry
and the
sessions, 157 presenters and 230 submitted briefs, the seven panel members
who
played an important role, and the support of individuals and groups who
supported the vision of the inquiry to give voice to the unheard communities
affected by uranium. The full report can be seen at www.ccamu.ca .
As well
as releasing the report, copies were provided to several government
ministries, the opposition and the press.
The Citizens’
Inquiry gave people yearning to serve a chance to contribute,
to participate, and to get involved. The inquiry helped people to learn
from
others, to find common ground, and to be positive about the kinds of changes
needed in public policy -- changes that need to be brought to the attention
of
decision-makers.
Prospecting
for uranium in the Sharbot Lake area of Eastern Ontario, and the
possible startup of mining uranium in the region are issues that raise
troubling questions for the local First Nations and residents. The mining
of
uranium raises significant health concerns, not only for those employed
in the
mines but for flora and fauna and the hundreds of thousands of residents
in the
affected watersheds, including residents of the city of Ottawa.
These issues
have been the subject of considerable community concern and
action. In response, the Community Coalition Against Uranium Mining (CCAMU)
organized the Citizens’ Inquiry into the Impacts of the Uranium
Cycle, which
convened a series of public hearings in April 2008.
Consolidation
of recommendations in this report
1) On an
interim basis, the provincial government enact a new policy or law
stating that a prospector may not enter on First Nations land or privately
owned land and prospect or stake out that land without the signed consent,
freely given, of the owner(s) of that land.
2) The province
undertake a broad public review through a body such as a royal
commission into the Mining Act, including mining and prospecting provisions
in
other jurisdictions; methods to make the Act relevant to today’s
society; its
relationship with other legislation and policies including those related
to
environmental protection and to municipalities. That this review be open,
transparent, and accountable, and led by individuals who can evoke public
trust. And from the report of this body the province enact new laws and
policies for the new century to better serve public and private interests
in
Ontario.
3) The provincial
government contract for and fund several definitive
independent professional studies of residents in places where uranium
has been
processed, such as Port Hope, Blind River, and Chalk River, to determine
the
actual impacts of uranium of human health.
4) Since
new nuclear power plants will not be in operation until 2018 at the
soonest and the shortage of electricity is projected to occur by 2013,
and
because of their negative impacts, the province not proceed with plans
for new
nuclear power plants.
5) The province
undertake a broad public review that is transparent and
accountable, led by individuals who evoke public trust, through a body
such as
a royal commission into the alternatives to the use of uranium for medical
purposes, particularly radioisotopes.
6) The $40
billion allocated to new nuclear plants be reallocated to reducing
energy use, expanding sustainable sources of energy, and instituting a
transition fund for those employed in and living in the communities relying
on
nuclear power. And that Ontario’s existing nuclear power plants
be phased out
as alternative energy sources become available.
7) The Ontario
government enact a law declaring a moratorium on the prospecting
and mining of uranium in Ontario in order to permit alternatives to be
explored
for the use of uranium as noted in recommendation 4, and so the province
may
indicate its good faith and proceed with dispatch to achieve reconciliation
of
claims to land rights with First Nations in areas where there are uranium
ore
deposits.
8) The province
forthwith begin discussions with the federal government to
ensure that the recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions respecting discussions
and negotiations with First Nations are incorporated into proactive operating
practice by the relevant officials of both governments.
This report
sets the background to the inquiry and explains why these
recommendations are not only reasonable and important, but also need to
be
proceeded with immediately. Appendices to the report provide further detail
about the hearings, the presenters, and a list of key events in the past
twenty
months.
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2)
SPEECH GIVEN BY MARILYN CRAWFORD DURING THE CCAMU PRESS CONFERENCE
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.
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3)
STOP URANIUM MINING UNTIL STUDY IS DONE ON IMPACT: COALITION
Group cites
effects on environment, health, land claims
By Thulasi
Srikanthan
The Ottawa
Citizen
June 25,
2008
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=a2f4070d-ae87-
4aba-8d86-f7e7ec30765c
Uranium
exploration should be suspended in Ontario until its impact on health,
the environment and aboriginal land rights is properly addressed, said
a report
released yesterday by the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium.
The report
emerged from a series of public meetings in Ottawa, Sharbot Lake,
Kingston and Peterborough in April. It also called for a royal commission
to
review Ontario's Mining Act, deeming it out of date.
The meetings
were part of a citizens' inquiry conducted by the coalition of
concerned citizens from the greater Ottawa Valley and the Kingston areas.
"I
hope at the end of the day if the province takes it seriously, they
will put in a comprehensive inquiry," said former Ottawa mayor Marion
Dewar, who is not part of the coalition, but served as a independent panel
member at the hearings.
Ontario's
Mining Act, passed in 1868 and changed little since, has raised
the concern of a number of municipalities that want the province to make
changes; including Ottawa, which has asked for an immediate comprehensive
public review.
Critics
are concerned that prospectors can stake a mining claim on private
property without notifying landowners, as long as the latter don't possess
the mineral rights. Claims cannot be made in some areas, like gardens,
orchards, "pleasure grounds" or land containing homes or churches.
While a majority of Ontario landowners do own mineral and surface rights,
others have given theirs up, possibly for financial reasons. Landowners
pay
taxes on mineral rights.
Aside from
reviewing the act, council also decided to petition the province to
impose an immediate moratorium on uranium prospecting, exploration and
mining
in Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa River watershed. These activities, according
to the city's website, would be suspended until all environmental and
health issues were resolved and "there are settlement plans for all
related native land claims."
However,
the chance of the province agreeing to a moratorium seems remote.
"That is not something we are considering," said Anne-Marie
Flanagan,
a spokeswoman for the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Ms.
Flanagan said there is a high global demand for uranium.
"It's
used not just for energy, but it's also used for detection
and treatment of cancer," she said.
"We
don't have any operating uranium mines here, but we need to keep
the option open." As for the act, Ms. Flanagan said the government
is
committed to a review.
"At
this point, we are studying legislation in other jurisdictions to see
what they have done," she said. Ms. Flanagan said the government
intends
to hold public consultations, but no timeframe has been set.
The report
also urged independent studies into the health of residents in areas
where uranium is processed. This includes Port Hope, Blind River and Chalk
River. The coalition also called for a halt to new nuclear power plants
and
suggested money be directed to reducing energy use and increasing sustainable
sources of energy.
For a full
list of recommendations, visit www.ccamu.ca .
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4)
NORTH FRONTENAC TOWNSHIP SENDS A FOLLOW-UP LETTER TO MCGUINTY
This sent
in from Mary Lynn Stewart Holton and Jim Holton of OCAMU.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Holton:
In response
to your email dated May 15, 2008 to Mayor Maguire and Deputy Mayor
Beam with regards to petitioning the Provincial Government for a moratorium
on
uranium mining, the Council of the Township of North Frontenac passed
Resolution #284-08 on June 12, 2008 authorizing the Clerk to send a follow-up
letter to Premier McGuinty requesting a response. I am attaching a copy
of the
letter to Premier McGuinty, mailed today (June 18, 2008) along with the
original Resolution of Council dated September 13, 2007.
I trust
this is the information you require.
Jenny Duhamel
Deputy Clerk
Township of North Frontenac
6648 Road 506, Box 97, Plevna, ON
-------------------
The Premier
of Ontario
Legislative Building
Room 281
Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1A1
Dr. Mr.
McGuinty,
RE: Moratorium
on Uranium Prospecting
This letter is a follow-up to Resolution 395-07 of the Township of North
Frontenac, dated September 13, 2007, which was forwarded to the Ministry
of
Northern Mines and Development on September 14, 2007, requesting the Province
of Ontario to declare an immediate moratorium on uranium mineral exploration
and mining in Eastern Ontario.
To date
we have not received a response and the Council of the Township of
North Frontenac respectfully requests a reply at your earliest convenience
as
to the position of this Resolution. A copy of our resolution is enclosed
for
your reference.
Thank you
in advance for your anticipated cooperation.
Yours truly,
Brenda Defosse
Clerk
BD/jd
Encl.
CC Mary
Lynne Stewart Holton and Jim Holton
Randy Hillier, MPP
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5)
VIDEO: GERMAN TOWN CLEANS UP URANIUM MINE AT A COST OF 6 BILLION EUROS
Hi folks,
For those
of you with high-speed internet access, you'll find a link below
to a good video on the cleanup of an old uranium mine in East Germany.
Regards,
Robin Simpson
& Christine Atrill
Fight Uranium Mining & Exploration (FUME)
www.fighturanium.com
Taken from
the DW-WORLD.DE website
Video: A
Good Job - in the GDR
East Germany
was once the world's third-largest source of uranium. DW-TV
looks into the legacy of the uranium mining industry there and visits
a
contaminated mining town that's trying to turn itself into a health resort.
http://www9.dw-world.de/tagesvideo/r9.php?en&popup&395&1
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6)
ARTICLE: ENVIRONMENTALISTS WANT HALT TO URANIUM EXPLORATION IN COTTAGE
COUNTRY
June 25,
2008
CBC News
"Environmentalists
says higher uranium prices have led to prospectors
staking almost every square inch of Crown land in Haliburton County.
The environmentalists
say the future of the area, which is in the heart of
Ontario cottage country, is at stake."
To read
the rest of this article go to,
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/06/25/enviro-urnanium.html
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7)
ARTICLE: FIRST NATIONS WILL FIGHT URANIUM MINING
June 24th,
2008
Telegraph
Journal
"The
Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations in New Brunswick are
experiencing growing frustration with the approach of industry and government
toward achieving development and self-sufficiency in the province."
To read
the rest of this article go to,
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/search/article/334865
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8)
ARTICLE: LAKE ATHABASCA NORTH SHORE BUSY WITH MINING
By Don Jaque
Slave River
Journal
June 25,
08
"Red
Rock Energy is one of at least seven exploration companies actively
drilling for uranium on the north shore of Lake Athabasca in the Uranium
City
vicinity."
To read
the rest of this article go to,
http://www.srj.ca/default.aspsourceid=&smenu=88&twindow=Default&mad=
No&sdetail=2845&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=
&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname
=&pform=&sc=1957&hn=srj&he=.ca
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