Back from the tripfrom lapresseaffaires: Very good trip.
Returnedyesterday from a visit to the region's richest uranium world, innorthern Saskatchewan, Quebec delegates came back reassured, othersconcerned.
ThirtyQuebecers, mostly elected North Shore or Northern Quebec, visited theRabbit Lake uranium mine, in operation for 35 years. Theyalso met with top executives of mining giant Cameco and Areva ResourcesCanada, ministers, officials, Aboriginal representatives and doctors ofpublic health.
Chairmanof the Regional Conference of Elected North Shore, Julien Boudreau saidhe was reassured by the emphasis on safety in the industry. "People who live near mines have confirmed they are well informed," he further added.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Wildlife, Serge Simard, was the delegation. "Participants were able to ask many questions and get answers, he was glad. It could shed light on questions expressed in terms of health, safety and environment. "
But according to Ramsey Hart of MiningWatch Canada, "it's just the best face of the industry that has seen". "Wedid not speak with voices more critical," says Hart, who was present asa delegate from the Coalition for Quebec is looking better. "We got very useful information, but often very general, without detail. And the busy schedule does not leave us time to ask any questions. "
The visit was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife, at the request of regional politicians. The department invited Aboriginal representatives, but none made the journey