700 opposed to uranium mining show up at N.B. meeting
A near-capacity crowd turned out to a government-led information session Thursday night to show their opposition to any uranium exploration or mining whatsoever in southeast New Brunswick.
"Who here does not want a uranium exploration or mining? Please stand up now," one attendee asked the more than 700 people gathered at Moncton's Capital Theatre.
Moments later, after loud cheers and applause, he added, "Thank you very much. As a unit of measure, the record would reflect that it is unanimous."
The meeting was intended as a platform for civil servants who are experts in mining. As well, environment and nuclear safety officials were set to explain that uranium exploration and mining can be conducted without harm and to outline the rules and regulations that are in place to protect people and the environment.
However, agitated attendees overshadowed the explanation session.
While the government insists a silent majority of New Brunswickers are in favour of exploration and the huge financial benefits it could bring to the province, those attending the meeting could not be swayed. Residents opted instead to tell the civil servants that the public does not trust the province or the companies involved to protect them.
One man said angrily that uranium exploration would be enough to drive him out of the province.
"Look, I built a $300,000 house… I built it two years ago, and if I'd known all this bullshit with you, I'd have moved out of the province,' he said.
Another woman said she couldn't believe politicians would allow mining companies to ruin private land.
"We have 50 acres of a little piece of heaven up in Albert County. Are you telling me that I don't have the right to say, 'No, this is my land?'" she asked.
Meanwhile, Phillipe Andre Collette singled out Natural Resources Minister Donald Arsenault, who was absent from the meeting. Collette said he feels Arsenault has been dodging the public on the issue.
"His lack of leadership and his cowardly practice, his refusal to deal with the citizens of New Brunswick — who are not a silent majority — on the mining issue is an insult to the people he represents as an elected official," he said. "Shame on you Mr. Arsenault."
A department spokesperson said Arsenault missed the meeting due to commitments at the legislature in Fredericton.
On Wednesday, more than 250 people attended a similar session in Fredericton, where the moderator was shouted down and some presenters were heckled.
Exploration for uranium is occurring south and west of Moncton, and smaller companies are also looking for other deposits in the province.
The Conservative opposition has called for a moratorium on uranium exploration and mining in the province, while environmental groups and Moncton's city council have called for a ban. There is concern that uranium mining could affect watersheds and that its long-term impacts would outweigh any short-term economic gain.
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