Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU)
Citizens’ Inquiry on the Impacts of the Uranium Cycle
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A Letter to the Minister of Northern Development and Mines
from Jerry Ackerman

Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development and Mines
99 Wellesley St., W
Whitney Block, Room 5630
Toronto, ON M7A 1W3

Dear Mr. Gravelle,

I am writing to call your attention to issues concerning URANIUM exploration and mining in the Province of Ontario:

1. Although we have had no rules and regulations regarding this activity for the past 100+ years, we must develop such. Uranium mining is deadly, and threatens our well-being forever.

2. The invasion and willful destruction of property and privacy for the purposes of such mining in inexcusable by any measure.

3. The low-grade material which will be extracted here will result in 200 times as much radioactive waste rock as in created now in Saskatchewan.

4. There is no solution for safe disposal of the residual waste.

5. For Canada to supply uranium, directly or indirectly, for military purposes must be seen as aiding and abetting a war crime against humanity.

6. Knowledgeable analysts have fully examined the effect of uranium on plants, animals, and people. Dr. Helen Caldicott’s extensive effects to alert us to these dangers warrants everyone’s attention. For example, see her books: New Nuclear Danger; Nuclear Power Is Not the Answer.

7. To understand the prospective devastation, see archives of the LA Times for Judy Pasternak’s investigative articles Nov. 19, 20, 21, 22, 2006 and follow-ups Feb. 25, May 17, Oct. 24, Dec. 7, 2007. She explains in depth the consequences of mining and processing uranium (1000 mines and 4 processing mills on Navajo reservation lands, 1944-1986).

The question which we must now ask:

What meaningful actions can citizens, residents, taxpayers, and believers in the democratic process expect from the representatives we vote into office?

We do expect an immediate, transparent, complete, and final moratorium on uranium exploration and mining in the Province of Ontario. There is no need for debate, negotiation, spin, or excuses.

We herald the example of action taken by federal and BC governments in stopping Northgate’s planned expansion. It would have dumped 700 million tones of toxic waste into Duncan Lake, a lake held sacred by First Nation residents.

We want you and all related agencies of our government to act on our behalf to achieve this essential change in policy.

We must stop the current policy of allowing mining interests free access without regard for private rights or public well-being. We must establish policies which protect the water we drink and the air we breathe, for generations to come.

We want you to act to ensure that mining only occurs when and where it will have no detrimental impact on the future well-being of our country.

We need to know your immediate response to these concerns.

Respectfully yours,
Jerry Ackerman