WENDAKE, QC, July 21, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) welcomes the recommendations of the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) concerning the uranium sector in Quebec, which in reality, only support our position. In its report of inquiry and public hearings on the stakes of the uranium sector, released publicly on July 17, 2015 by the Minister of the Environment, after one year of inquiry and public hearings throughout the province, the BAPE concludes "Consequently, the Commission of Enquiry considers that it would be ill advised to authorize the exploitation of uranium throughout the territory of Quebec in the current context."
The AFNQL declares a permanent moratorium on the development of the uranium and rare earth sector on all the territories of First Nations in Quebec and invites the provincial government to do the same
"The exploration and exploitation of uranium and rare earths raise concerns and very high stakes that we do not want our future generations to face. The uncertainties and the major gaps in scientific and technological knowledge concerning the exploitation of uranium, waste management, vagueness and uncertainties of economic issues, risks for human health and the environment, along with the non-acceptability of this development by our populations are all issues which motivate our permanent moratorium on the development of the uranium sector in Quebec.
The territory of Quebec has never been ceded by First Nations, who hold an Aboriginal Title and Treaty Rights. The government of the province of Quebec has to respect these rights. Gathered in assembly, on last June 10, 2015 the Chiefs of the AFNQL adopted by consensus a resolution (n°16/2015) declaring a permanent moratorium on the development of the uranium and rare earth sector, including the exploration, mining, concentration, refining, transportation and storage of uranium and rare earth wastes on all the territories of First Nations in Quebec. We will take all necessary and appropriate measures to give effect to this resolution", stated Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization that regroups 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador www.AFNQL-afnql.com.
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Mélanie Vincent: [email protected], Cell.: 418-580-4442
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