Published in the Northeast SUN, Melfort & Nipawin, SK
- August 18, 2006
To the Editor:
…the next nuclear bomb
The August 4th Press Release from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) declaring the “overwhelming positive response” to their recent survey for a uranium facility begs closer inspection.
It states that, “the survey, sent out to all First Nations, Tribal Councils, and all levels of municipal governments, from cities to resort villages…”, asked the question: “would your community be receptive to an added value uranium facility in your area, such as a refinery or upgrader?” It further states, that “from the responses received, over 95% were highly in favour of such a facility…”
There are 297 rural municipalities, 468 urban municipalities, 74 First Nations, and 10 Tribal Councils - - 850 governing bodies - - in the province.
It seems that some cannot recall even seeing the survey!
Also, it seems that there were only about 65 responses (62 or 95% positives) received. Thus, 62 communities out of a possible 850 indicated that they are in favour of such a facility - - - 7.3% - - - NOT the 95% that the press release leads one to believe represents the entire province!
Tragically, the timing of this so-called survey, with its misleading results, is especially poignant. August 6th marked the 61st anniversary of the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki – bombs which, as products of the Manhattan Project, used uranium from northern Canada.
Will the Saskatchewan government, building its case on results from similar surveys, cave in to the industry’s pressure to claw even more of this lethal material out of the ground?
Will the next nuclear bombs use Saskatchewan uranium?
Just asking…
Elaine Hughes
Archerwill, SK