Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission - AENQ protests the Matoush decision

MONTREAL, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Association of Employees of Northern Québec (AENQ-CSQ), affiliated with the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), is extremely disappointed that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission did not consider the fierce opposition of the Cree population to the Matoush project during its public meetings held last June.

This is AENQ-CSQ's reaction to the decision made public yesterday by the CNSC to issue a license to Strateco Resources Inc.for its " Matoush " exploration and mining project situated on Cree territory north of the community of Mistissini.

Massive Opposition of the Cree Population

AENQ-CSQ hopes that the government of Québec, which has the last word in this dossier, will be guided by the massive opposition of the Cree population, along with resolutions adopted by the Band Council of Mistissini and the Grand Council of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee, in making its final reflection on the matter.

A Decision in the Spirit of the Closing of Gentilly-2

Finally, AENQ-CSQ trusts that the Minister of Natural Resources, Martine Ouellet, and the Minister of the Environment, Daniel Breton, will ensure that the government decision will respect the same principles as those which guided the announcement of the closure of the Gentilly-2 nuclear power plant. The union hopes that in this spirit, the Marois government will refuse to allow uranium production to begin by granting a license for the Matoush project.

Respect for Consistency

"It would be inconsistent for a government which has prioritized social acceptability in making its decisions about shale gas to ignore today the popular opposition shown for the Matoush project.  Similarly, just as support was withdrawn for asbestos mining due to safety issues, the same rule should apply to uranium.  And finally, just as the government recognized that nuclear energy is not beneficial for Québec, it should follow the same principle and say no to uranium production," concluded Patrick D'Astous, president of AENQ-CSQ.

Profile of the CSQ 

La CSQ represents nearly 200 000 members, of which about 130 000 are education sector personnel.  It is the largest Quebec syndical organization in education, representing personnel in both the public and private systems.  The CSQ also plays a role in the health and social service, daycare, municipal, leisure, culture, community and communication sectors.

Profile of AENQ

Founded in 1971, the Association of Employees of Northern Quebec (AENQ), affiliated with the CSQ, has more than 1500 members.  It represents the teachers and support personnel of the Cree and Kativik School Boards, and the employees of career and professional centers of the Cree territory.

SOURCE: ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYEES OF NORTHERN QUEBEC (AENQ-CSQ)

Claude Girard
Communication counsellor, CSQ
Cell : 514 237-4432
Email : [email protected]

Patrick D'Astous
President, AENQ
Cell:514-916-2396
[email protected]