Submitted by Del Trobak
To the Voluntary Planning Board:
I wish to go on record as being in favour of lifting the moratorium banning the exploration for uranium in Nova Scotia. For the time being, I would retain the ban on mining uranium, until more is known about the location, extent, and concentration of ore bodies, and the type of mine suggested for each area (underground, pit or ISL). This will require extensive exploration.
Mining and milling technologies have improved greatly in the last twenty years. Advanced technology can, if used properly, greatly reduce the hazards and problems associated with mining and milling uranium ore. In Nova Scotia; proper government oversight, the use of ISO 14001 and similar safety regulations, can ensure the safe extraction of Uranium. This will result in a significant financial benefit to the province.
There is little doubt that Nuclear Power will be required in increasing amounts in the next fifty years, if Canada, and the world are to reduce CO2 generation in any meaningful way. Other alternative sources of electrical power simply cannot supply the need in the near future. Nova Scotia should consider using this technology.
Some Nova Scotians have shown a distressing propensity for being a "not in my backyard" people. There is a great deal of mis-information, outright exaggeration and fear mongering generated by the 'nimby' crowd. There is no doubt that the mining of uranium presents problems, but it is our duty to ensure that these problems are understood and solutions sought, so that development can safely take place. It is the duty of the government of Nova Scotia to ensure that balanced, accurate information is available to all residents.
We Nova Scotians are quite willing to accept - no, 'demand' - equal financial status with the Rest of Canada, while decrying development. Open pit coal mining, uranium mining, fish farming, forestry, Atlantica - all have seen vocal opposition. Yet we are quite willing to accept money - "Equalization Payments" - so that we can continue to live in our unspoiled Shangri-La. This money comes from provinces who have opted to accept development. Alberta's oil developments are not pretty, Saskatchewan's mines have their problems, British Columbia's clear cuts are ugly and everybody hates Toronto, but their money goes a long way toward supporting the lifestyle of 'nimby' Nova Scotians. It is time we accepted responsibility for our own welfare, pay our own way. We must accept responsibility for our own problems, and clean up our own mess.