Re:B.C. ruling spells trouble
for Ontario mining
Ideas, April 5
Cameron Smith is right to say that the recent jailing of First Nations leaders in Ontario did not have to happen. Robert Lovelace of the Ardoch Algonquins and six members of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug are currently in Ontario jails for protesting uranium mining activity on their traditional lands.
Their jailing contrasts sharply with claims by Premier Dalton McGuinty that he wants a different relationship with First Nations. Protesting uranium exploration in eastern Ontario is hardly radical. Ottawa, Kingston and 10 other municipalities all passed motions calling for a moratorium on uranium exploration. So why does the government think these protests can be resolved by jail, not negotiation?
A clue lies in McGuinty's initial response to the 68-day hunger strike by Donna Dillman. He responded to her protest of uranium mining activity on First Nations and private lands by saying he was committed to maintaining the present level of electricity from nuclear power. Finding more uranium is part of a plan to push ahead with $40 billion nuclear megaprojects, and that justifies running roughshod over First Nations rights and the wishes of communities.
It doesn't have to be this way. We can treat our First Nations peoples with respect and keep the lights on with clean, safe, renewable energy.
Bruce Cox, Executive Director,
Greenpeace Canada, Toronto
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