Saugeen Ojibway Nation has made a statement with regard to this week’s announcement from the Ontario government in support of exploring the expansion of the Bruce Power nuclear generation site.
The statement is signed by both SON Chiefs, Veronica Smith, Chief of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie.
“Today (July 5th) the Ontario Minister of Energy, Todd Smith will be announcing that the province intends to support a study by Bruce Power to see if the Bruce site is suitable for new nuclear development. The purpose of the study, and review by Canada, is to identify future projects that could meet Ontario’s energy needs. The study and assessment will take many, many years to complete.
“Leadership has been following this closely, and in a recent meeting with the minister, we made clear that although we understand the energy challenges faced by Ontario and the push to plan for new electricity projects, new nuclear projects present a serious challenge for SON and our people.”
“The Saugeen Ojibway Nation has also made it clear that any future decisions on nuclear must include the SON as central participants in the planning process. Ontario has committees to developing new projects only if they are right for the SON and the local communities. They have also recognized the SON must be partners in, and benefit fairly from any future projects in our Territory. Finally, we have stated clearly that SON will not support any new projects until the history of the nuclear industry on our Territory is resolved and there is a solution to the nuclear waste problems that is acceptable to SON and its People.”
“It is critical that our serious and ongoing concerns about the development of the nuclear industry in our Territory be properly addressed by government and industry. Commitments have been made, but now we need to see action. The long overdue resolution of the nuclear legacy issues must occur before any future project is approved. Similarly, we must also have a plan in place that has been agreed to by SON to deal with all current and future nuclear waste before any future projects could go ahead. There are issues that must be worked on in priority long before any new decision on new projects can be made.”
“The Chiefs and Councils have a deep and solemn responsibility to protect this Territory for our People and for all people that share our lands and waters. We take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to work with government and industry to make sure only good and sustainable projects are built and that the future of our People is protected.
“We will continue to provide you with updates on the many issues facing our People. Most importantly, we will bring you information about our progress in resolving legacy issues and dealing with the nuclear wastes in our territory. Finally, we will continue to work with Ontario and Canada to ensure that any study for nuclear is done in a way that protects our rights, interests and way of life and that SON’s voice is heard and respected.”