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Speak Up

The Graham government still doesn't get it.

New Brunswickers have said loud and clear, time and time again, that they do not want uranium exploration and mining in the province. It is now clearer than ever that this government refuses to listen to the people.

Premier Graham has demonstrated once again that he is working for the uranium companies.

He suggests that tax revenues from uranium will somehow propel us to self-sufficiency. He just doesn't understand that some things are more important to New Brunswickers than money - like our health, our safety and our environment.

Earlier this month, Natural Resources Minister Donald Arsenault held a press conference to announce the government's response to the people's concerns over uranium exploration. It is obvious Premier Graham fully intends to proceed with uranium mining in this province.

It is a measure of this government's arrogance that they believe a few well-dressed announcements will suddenly convince us that the exploitation for uranium is in New Brunswick's best interest.

During the last legislative session, the Official Opposition, following up on a similar action by Moncton City Council, introduced a motion to halt uranium activities in the Moncton watershed. The Liberal government argued against this motion and stood up in the House to vote it down.

Having been embarrassed by the discovery of oil drilling in the Moncton watershed, having been embarrassed in the House by voting against a moratorium, and being continually embarrassed by the protests of New Brunswickers, the Graham government has finally banned uranium activities in municipal watersheds.

However, tinkering with the rules in the Mining Act certainly does not begin to address the real concerns people have. Allowing uranium mines and processing facilities as close as 300 metres from a residential property does not provide any comfort or reassurance to property owners. Providing a new way for uranium companies to stake private property without entering is merely a tactic to avoid property owners. Further, mining was already restricted in municipalities.

A recurring complaint is the failure of the uranium companies to inform property owners that their land had just been staked. In fact, this notification is required by law in the Mining Act. The act also gives the minister the right to cancel the prospecting license of anyone who violates any of its provisions. Once again the Liberals have failed to protect the citizens of New Brunswick.

The Graham government is just not ready to provide the reassurance and security that they are responsible for. With only one inspector in the Department of Natural Resources and more than 38,000 claims, coupled with an overwhelming lack of awareness by the Departments of Environment, Health and Public Safety, it is plain to see that Premier Graham has just opened the doors to the uranium companies, while turning his back to New Brunswickers.

Meanwhile, Vale Inco is seeking permission to dispose of 386,000 tons of toxic waste a year into a Newfoundland lake. Vale Inco, of course, is the holder of the largest number of uranium claims in New Brunswick.

Will our lakes be safe?

Will this Liberal government stand up for the people of New Brunswick, and declare that this will never be allowed to happen to any provincial waterway?

Will they refuse to play the "balancing" game that attempts to measure the economic benefits of destroying a lake with the immeasurable benefits of a healthy environment?

One positive note from the news conference, however, was in the minister's response to a reporter's question.

When asked if uranium companies could enter a private property to do work, even after the property owner had said no, he replied, "In terms of uranium activity, if the landowner says no, it's a no."

Let's hope that the minister remembers what he said and keeps his word.

Keep in mind, though, that this is the same minister who had to admit that there was no documentation for his claim about a "silent majority" that supported uranium activities in the province.

This is also the same minister who said that it is better for New Brunswick to take the risk of "environmental contamination and health risks" than for other countries who may have fewer regulations.

We will find out if the Graham government will keep this commitment to the people when the first uranium company complains about their access to private property being denied.

New Brunswickers continue to have every reason to be concerned for their safety. The Graham government is looking for any means to put more money in their coffers, while neglecting or minimizing the concerns of its citizens.

New Brunswickers cannot trust this Liberal government.

John Betts is the Progressive Conservative MLA for Moncton Crescent.