New Brunswick Groups Push for Ban On Uranium Exploration

Environmental groups from across the province are marking Canadian National Mining Week by joining forces in calling for an immediate ban on uranium exploration and mining in New Brunswick.

In April, the opposition Conservatives tabled a motion in the New Brunswick legislature which was defeated by the majority Liberal Government. Now, environmental groups from across the province are marking Canadian National Mining Week by joining forces in calling for an immediate ban on uranium exploration and mining in the province. "Today, we are officially announcing that 30 groups from across the province have signed a statement endorsing a complete ban on uranium exploration and mining in New Brunswick. This coalition continues to grow and we will be seeking out new members," says Petitcodiac Riverkeeper Tim Van Hinte. "In addition, we are officially denouncing the decision by the provincial government to ignore requests for a permanent ban," he added. Yvonne Devine, the president of the Southeast chapter of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick has organized several public forums to educate the public on the impacts of uranium. "In all the forums we've held to date, everyone we have heard from is opposed to uranium mining," stated Devine. "We take great exception to Minister Arsenault's assertion that "a silent majority" supports uranium. This is a shameful statement and there is no evidence to support his claim," she added. Northern Saskatchewan and Elliot Lake in northern Ontario, for example, have been heavily contaminated with radioactive materials from uranium mining. Inka Milewski, Science Advisor to the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, has seen the damage first hand since she grew up in Elliot Lake. Elliot Lake was once home to 12 uranium mines. "The by-products of uranium mining cause cancer. Many miners and citizens have died in Elliot Lake as a result of mining activities, including my mother and father," said Milewski. Walter Moore of the group Support Citizens Against Radioactive Emissions New Brunswick (S.C.A.R.E. NB) urges citizens and other groups to join the fight to ban uranium exploration and mining. "This is a call to action - we are looking for groups to sign our statement endorsing a permanent ban, from municipalities to health care professionals to First Nations," said Moore. The Conservation Council of New Brunswick will be hosting a public information session on uranium exploration and mining tonight, May 14th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the McCain Auditorium at St. Thomas University. The New Brunswick Environmental Network Mining Caucus (NBEN) consists of representatives of citizen environmental groups from across the province interested in mining issues. The Caucus, which was formed last year, works to improve communication and cooperation among involved groups and between those groups and others. The NBEN Mining Caucus Steering Committee consists of the following organizations: Bathurst Sustainable Development Belledune Citizens Committee Conservation Council of NB Grand Lake Watershed Guardians Groupe de Developpement durable du Pays de Cocagne Sentinelles Petitcodiac Riverkeeper