Citizens unhappy with uranium go-ahead - Briarpatch article from the 70s

What the 150 anti-nuclear demonstrators who marched on the opening of the 19th session of the Saskatchewan legislature on February 22 lacked in numbers they compensated for in creativity. Although farm groups have driven tractors, dumped milk, and even carried the occasional live pig to the doors of Canada's legislative assemblies, this demonstration marked the first time a white elephant has led a delegation.

A traditional representation for a "bad deal," the provinces antinuclear forces decided that "the white elephant" would best illustrate what many knowledgeable financial sources around the world are admitting--that nuclear development is economically dead."

Placards carried by the protestors carried some striking messages: "Radioactive wastes--Here today, here tomorrow, here forever"; "Radiation, PCBs, Mercury: all toxic, all deadly, all uncontrolled"; "Bury waste under legislation"; "Uranium mining is not northern development"; "Saskatchewan uranium equals French bombs." These posters illustrated some of the concerns of people who don't agree with the NDP government's approval of the further development of the province's uranium resources.

Briarpatch asked several of the protestors what they were demonstrating against. None of the replies were wild or frenzied and most of them reflected a well-informed, considered response.

Al Taylor, Regina, said he cannot agree with the reasons that the provincial government is using to justify the go ahead of the industry. Taylor is involved in an ongoing letter exchange with Premier Alan Blakeney on the issue. Ev Cousins, also from Regina, pointed out that the small number of jobs that will be created by the industry are not worth the health hazards to miners or their families. She cited research done by Dr. Rosalie Bertell.

Jan Stoody, in an address to the protestors inside the building said that Saskatchewan citizens are already paying $2 billion investment in the industry through provincial cutbacks in day care, social services and legal aid. Peter Preeble, NDP MLA for Saskatoon Sutherland, was the only member of the government to address demonstrators. He said me fundamental reason for running in the last election was because he opposes the development of the province's uranium. Preeble suggested the government "keep uranium in the ground" and look at developing safer, more labour intensive energy sources like solar, wind and biomass.

The provincial government and the uranium development companies would undoubtably go to bed together a lot more comfortable if they didn't have to be bothered by the constant questioning of the province's environmental groups.

However, the Saskatchewan anti-nuclear protestors are not an isolated few individuals. They represent a small part of a growing world-wide movement of people concerned with ensuring a healthy and sane future for the planet.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Briarpatch, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group