Chantelle Jenkin
To the Voluntary Planning Committee;
This letter is in response to the working paper regarding what Nova Scotians value. Over the course of the spring and summer, numerous meetings were held throughout the province. These meetings gave Nova Scotians the opportunity to have a voice, and raise concerns they had regarding the sectors of Forestry, Minerals, Parks and Recreation as well as Biodiversity. It was stated at these meetings, that the Government of Nova Scotia wanted to hear from the people and to forward written submissions to Voluntary Planning by July 31.
Uranium mining is an issue that has serious health and environmental implications for all Nova Scotians, and the fact that we are even looking at the possibility of lifting the moratorium is ludicrous. I wanted my views to be heard, so as I was instructed, I sent a letter clearly stating my concerns, recent scientific findings to back up my views and clearly defined what I expected the Government to do in regards to the issue of uranium exploration and mining. Over the course of the summer, I religiously scanned the submissions to see if others also shared my concerns. They did, in droves. The government’s own report states that the residents of Nova Scotia “overwhelmingly” oppose uranium mining and exploration. Minister Morse stated that a decision would not be made regarding uranium mining until he had heard the opinions of Nova Scotians. The residents of Nova Scotia have clearly stated that they are in no way in favor of uranium exploration or mining in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotians who sent a submission were invited to a workshop, presumably to discuss the findings. We were informed well in advance of the workshop when it would be held (Oct 25) and that a copy of the working paper would be available on the Monday (Oct 20) prior to the session. The working paper was not sent (via email) until Thursday evening. (Oct 23) This did not allow for most people to thoroughly examine the paper. After reading through the submissions and the working paper, the report does accurately reflect what was expressed in individual submissions.
At the workshop in Truro, it was stated that Voluntary Planning was never equipped to “deal” the issue of uranium mining. They did so only after it was “dumped in their laps”. It was also stated that another committee was going to look at the issue of uranium mining. I am not entirely sure why. According to the report from Voluntary Planning, we; the people of Nova Scotia, do not want uranium exploration or mining. The procedure was followed that the government set, however it was stated that a new committee will have to further explore the issue.
It is my sincere hope that the government will listen to and respect the wishes of the residents of Nova Scotia. We will not settle for any thing less than a legislated ban on uranium exploration and mining in Nova Scotia!
Sincerely,
Chantelle Jenkin