CNSC Rep Outlines Duty To Consult On Nuclear Issue

CNSC Rep Outlines Duty To Consult On Nuclear Issue

Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 14:07

 

 

A nuclear power project in Saskatchewan could be stopped through the duty to consult process, according to a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission official.

 

But Director General Barclay Howden says Aboriginal groups would have to provide some pretty good reasons on why it shouldn’t go ahead.

 

He also warns that Aboriginal groups may not get exactly what they want.

 

Although there has been a Supreme Court ruling outlining the duty to consult and accommodate, Howden says that accommodation has to be feasible.

 

Howden made the statements in Battleford last night after giving a talk on nuclear power.

 

Meanwhile, the government has released the dates consultations will be held over the future of uranium in the province.

 

The number of northern communities that will host consultation hearings has doubled.

 

Yesterday, La Ronge was added to a list that already included Buffalo Narrows.

 

Perrins has indicated more northern communities could be added to the list if demand warrants.

 

The sessions will begin in Saskatoon on May 26th.

 

Residents in Prince Albert will be able to voice their thoughts on June 8th.

 

Northerners will get their chance on June 9th in Buffalo Narrows and in La Ronge on June 16th.

 

The man heading up the sessions says he expects most of the talk to centre around a government report detailing how a nuclear reactor would affect the province.

 

However, Dan Perrins says if enough people want the scope of the discussions expanded, that could also happen.

 

Perrins says arrangements will be made to get feedback from the sessions posted on the Internet.

 

He will take his findings to government on August 30th.