|
MAY
2nd , 2009 |
| IN THIS ISSUE: 1)
EVENT: " CANADIAN MINING MYTHS "
1) EVENT: " CANADIAN MINING MYTHS " Leaders Jethro Tulin from Papau New Guinea and Sergio Campusano from Chile will give first hand reporting of what the Canadian mining interests are doing in their respective communities, which is far different from the Canadian mining companies press releases. We will also have special guest, author Yves Engler, from Montreal, who is releasing his new book 'The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy' (May 2009 release), will provide an overview how Canadian diplomacy supports a Mining industry responsible for widespread social and environmental devastation. Join us for an eye opening evening and a chance to put some meat on the bones of some ' Canadian Mining Myths ' that this industry has promoted for decades. Tuesday
May 5, 2009 Presenters: Sergio Campusano, leader and president of the Diaguita Community, Chile, has been fighting the greed of the mining corporations and the local agriculture companies for years. Yves Engler, from Montreal, author of ' The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy ' ( May 2009 release ). " Yves Engler's penetrating inquiry yields a rich trove of valuable evidence about Canada's role in the world and poses a challenge for citizens who are willing to take their fundamental responsibilities seriously." ~ Noam Chomsky Questions or interview inquiries can be sent to: ActCityOttawa@gmail.com Internet info link at: http://ato.smartcapital.ca/actcity?go=2191517 POSTER: Canadian MINING MYTHS: http://ato.smartcapital.ca/actcity?go=2192088 2) CALL FOR ARTISTS: ANTI-NUCLEAR ART SHOW May 31 2009 Anti-Nuclear Art Show What have
you painted or sketched, photographed or filmed, or written about your
resistance to uranium exploration and mining here and elsewhere? Do you
have a piece about your love for our beautiful planet, or something that
expresses your grief or anger at the nuclear industry? The show
will also be displayed July 10th - 12th at The Art of Being Green Festival
at the Middleville Fair Grounds. 3) CCAMU'S LETTER TO MNDM RE: REGULATION OF URANIUM ZONES
The Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU) is a grassroots organization that opposes uranium exploration and mining in eastern Ontario. We have the support of thousands of individuals who have signed petitions, written letters and communicated with MNDM and elected officials. Many organizations have petitioned the Ontario Government for a moratorium on uranium exploration and mining. We support a review that has a fair and meaningful process that involves consideration of the negative impacts caused by exploration and mining activities. The review should include input from experts who are independent of government and industry. The review should give meaningful consideration to precaution against negative impacts on health and the environment from activities and developments in areas that have been mapped and identified as having uranium. We summit the findings of the report, 'Staking Our Claim on a Healthy Future' that captures the essence of The Citizens' Inquiry into the Impacts of Uranium Cycle. The inquiry was held in April of 2008; the report was released in June of 2008 and is attached to this email. (Editor's Note for UNews readers: to read the report go to http://www.uraniumcitizensinquiry.com We bring forward the report to provide recommendations based on 157 presentations, 230 submissions, observations and recommendations from a panel. In supporting the request for a review, it is the position of CCAMU that consideration should be given to a solution that establishes an Act that creates a moratorium or ban, using the example of British Columbia, that prohibits exploration and mining activities for uranium in Ontario. We believe that this is the only way that will protect public health and safety and the environment from the impact of uranium. Thank you for your consideration. It is our belief that your Ministry will decide that there is sufficient evidence to undertake a review to legislate activities, including residential and industrial activities, and exploration for uranium in uranium zones. Sincerely, Donna Dillman 4) MNDM NEWS RELEASE: MODERNIZING THE ONTARIO MINING ACT April 30, 2009 Ontario Takes Bold Steps To Modernize Mining Act McGuinty Government To Introduce Innovative, Balanced Legislation For A Sustainable Mining Future NEWS Proposed changes to Ontario's Mining Act would see significant strides in Aboriginal consultation, provide clear rules for industry and reduce the impact of mineral exploration on the environment. The proposed legislation, to be introduced later today, promotes balanced development that benefits all Ontarians. If passed, it would modernize the way companies stake and explore their claims to be more respectful of private land owners and Aboriginal communities. At the same time, it would support a vibrant minerals industry that would help many communities realize their economic and social aspirations. The proposed legislation includes a number of ground-breaking provisions, which would make Ontario a national leader in mineral resource stewardship, including: . Incorporating
Aboriginal consultation in mining legislation and regulations If the legislation is passed, Ontario will begin putting new rules in place later this year. QUOTES "This
proposed legislation takes bold steps toward a modern, innovative Mining
Act that would balance all of our respective interests, benefit Ontario
communities and support a vibrant Ontario minerals industry." QUICK FACTS . Mining
is Canada's largest private sector employer of Aboriginal people. Backgrounder Proposed legislation to modernize Ontario's Mining Act builds on the commitment announced last July - as part of the Far North Planning initiative - to find new approaches to mineral exploration that would be more respectful of Aboriginal communities and private land holders. During six months of consultations, more than 1,000 people and groups participated in public and stakeholder sessions across the province. Input was also received through the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry. The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines also carried out comprehensive Aboriginal consultations to ensure the broadest possible Aboriginal participation and input. In total, approximately 100 First Nation communities, as well as Aboriginal organizations participated in some manner. If the legislation is passed, there would be additional opportunities for input over the coming months as regulations are developed. HIGHLIGHTS: For Aboriginal Communities Ontario would become the first jurisdiction in Canada to expressly recognize Aboriginal and treaty rights in its mining legislation, and enable a dispute resolution process for Aboriginal-related mining issues through regulation. Proposals would also address key concerns of Aboriginal communities. For instance, Ontario's modernization approach would include: . Provisions
for withdrawing significant Aboriginal cultural sites from claim staking; The ministry will invite further input from First Nation communities and Aboriginal organizations as Ontario develops regulations and implements the changes. For Private Land Owners The proposed legislation would address conflicts that have arisen between mineral exploration companies and surface rights holders who do not hold the mineral rights on their lands. For instance, Ontario would: . Withdraw
mining rights in southern Ontario where surface rights are privately held,
while respecting existing claims and leases. In Northern Ontario, private
land holders could apply for such withdrawals but granting withdrawals
would first consider criteria such as mineral potential; In addition, owners of land originally patented for mining purposes, but not currently being used for mining purposes, would be able to apply for an exemption from mining land tax. Lands with private surface rights and Crown mineral rights that are open for staking comprise only 1.4 per cent of southern Ontario's landmass, and only 0.4 per cent of Northern Ontario's landmass. For the Mineral Industry Ontario's proposed legislation would increase clarity for the mineral industry by outlining requirements for consultation -- and accommodation as appropriate -- with Aboriginal communities, while maintaining fair and competitive access to mineral tenure. It includes a graduated regulatory scheme for early exploration, with exploration plans required for lower impact activities and exploration permits required for activities with higher impact. Regulations would provide the details for exploration plans and permits, including requirements for rehabilitation; Aboriginal consultation and working on private surface rights. The proposed legislation would increase certainty for the industry by setting out a clear framework for the responsible management and sustainable development of Ontario's mineral resources. It would also foster early engagement and enhanced relationships between Aboriginal communities and companies. Ontario would be the first Canadian jurisdiction to enable a dispute resolution process for Aboriginal-related mining issues in its mining legislation. Environmental Considerations Proposed legislation responds to calls for greater consideration for the environment. It would reduce impacts to the environment by implementing a new graduated regulatory scheme for early exploration activities to include rehabilitation requirements. It would embed in legislation that no new mine opening can occur in the Far North unless there is an approved community-based land use plan. The phased introduction of map staking across the province would eliminate the minimal impact of ground staking. Compliance with the new requirements would be encouraged through increases to maximum penalties for offences against the Act. Anne-Marie Flanagan, MNDM Minister's Office, 416-327-0655 http://www.ontario.ca/mines-news Backgrounder "Working
together with our Aboriginal partners has helped contribute significantly
to improving the Mining Act. By listening to our partners we can help
build stronger Aboriginal communities, making for a stronger Ontario." "Ontario's new collaborative approach to developing legislation and public policy in Ontario is certainly innovative. It is respectful to the recognition of First Nations rights and indicative of Ontario's commitment to working with First Nations on a government-to-government basis." - Grand
Council Chief John Beaucage, "Industry
and other stakeholders have worked together to suggest changes to modernize
the Mining Act. As explorationists we believe these changes will provide
certainty around access to land, which will allow us to attract investment
to Ontario." "Goldcorp
supports Minister Gravelle in his efforts to modernize Ontario's Mining
Act, and Government's support for a healthy, vibrant mining industry in
Ontario which Goldcorp believes is in the interests of all Ontarians." "The
proposed legislation is an important step towards reconciling long-standing
conflicts between the interests of Aboriginal communities, conservationists
and the mining sector. It provides important tools for proactive planning
and dispute resolution that will help strike a balance between ecological
and cultural priorities and economic development."
5) ARTICLE: ONTARIO MINING ACT REMOVES MORE LAND FROM STAKING AND CLAIMS Revisions will offer protection for cottagers, aboriginal lands Changes to Ontario's Mining Act will address conflicts between prospectors and private landowners by excluding more lands from staking, claiming and exploration, Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle said Thursday. The legislation introduced Thursday will modernize the way companies stake claims so they are more respectful of landowners and the environment, Gravelle said. "We recognized that one of the issues that we needed to deal with was . a number of landowners who did not own the mining rights to their properties," he said. To read
the rest of this article go to, 6) FUME RESPONSES TO MINING ACT CHANGES Hi folks, We won a little, not nearly enough, so the battle goes on. The only thing I will announce tonight is this,,, All privately owned land in southern Ontario (South of the French River on the mining map) is now off limits to staking as of 12 noon today April 30 09. All current claims on private land still stand until the claim runs out or is dropped. Claimed private land can still be explored and in the case of the new act,,, the crown will still hold the mineral rights on lands that are SRO (surface rights only owners). It sounds like the third reading will not take place until the Fall sitting so we have the summer to give further input. We were not given a copy of the new act just a briefing. We will be conferring with policy experts as soon as we get the full revised act and will make further comments. In other (better) news. A number of claims in Highlands East have been dropped. Abitibi mining dropped a 1500 acres claim and a prospector who has thousands of acres claimed has dropped (expired claims) any of his claims that have come due. For now the threat of further exploration seems unlikely due to falling uranium prices and the bad economy. We have
an appointment with Rick Johnston our new MPP tomorrow morning at 10 to
discuss the new mining act and the threat of mining in Haliburton and
southern Ontario in general. We will report on that meeting tomorrow evening.
7) ARTICLE: ONTARIO COTTAGE OWNERS WANT MORATORIUM ON URANIUM MINING April 29,
2009 Property owners in Haliburton and Muskoka are pressing the Ontario government to ban uranium exploration and mining in cottage country. They say they're concerned their health, peace and tranquillity will be compromised by prospecting and exploration. Prospectors looking for uranium have staked claims to 3,600 hectares of land in the area. To read
the rest of this article go to, 8) ARTICLE: COURT RULING FORCES MINING POLLUTION TO BE REVEALED By: Martin
Mittlestaedt April 25, 2009 "Mining companies have long had a loophole in federal environmental right-to-know law that no other industry enjoys. Environment Canada has exempted them from having to track the full extent of the pollution their operations cause." To read
the rest of this article go to, 9) LETTER TO MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT RE: GREEN ENERGY ACT MPP John
Gerretsen Minister of the Environment
This means that your government MPPs have voted to retain the biggest loophole in the Green Energy Act instead of acting in the spirit of the Act and ensuring a truly level playing field for renewable power projects. Voting to
retain special privileges for nuclear projects were Laurel Broten, Kuldip
Kular, Bill Mauro, Carol Mitchell and (for one of two votes) Linda Jeffrey.
Would you please contact these MPPs and ask them why they think nuclear
power deserves better treatment than clean renewable power, especially
in a Green Energy Act. 10) ARTICLE: ENERGY REGULATORY CHIEF SAYS NEW COAL, NUCLEAR PLANTS MAY BE UNNECESSARY April 22,
2009 The chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Jon Wellinghoff, said Wednesday that there may be no need -- ever -- for new coal or nuclear power plants. To read
the rest of this article go to, 11) ARTICLE: HOW CHERNOBYL COULD HAPPEN HERE By: Harvey Wasserman (Author of SOLARTOPIA! Our Green-Powered Earth) April 22, 2009 A catastrophe like Chernobyl could happen here. It's the radioactive core of the second-biggest lie in US industrial history. The atomic pushers say such a disaster is "impossible" at a US reactor. But Chernobyl's explosion spewed radiation all over the world. And Sunday's tragic 23rd anniversary reminds us that any reactor on this planet can kill innumerable people anywhere, at any time, by terror, error and more. It further clarifies why yet another grab at billions of taxpayer dollars for new reactor construction must be stopped now! To read
the rest of this article go to, |