A hot topic around the region is top of mind today for Kenora riding candidates.
With Ignace in the running to potentially be a host site for a geological repository, CKDR News asks the five for their stance on storing and transporting used nuclear waste.
NDP candidate Janine Seymour says, “We’re all part of this catchment and what happens in one area of the region affects us all, greatly. The impacts will be felt, whether that’s economic or whether that’s environmental so great care and consideration needs to happen with this very important issue.”
Seymour continues, “I’ve been listening to a lot of voice and I would encourage anyone else to reach out. I do want to spend a lot more time understanding this issue and listening to the people of that particularly impacted region and understanding them and their voices.”
Liberal David Bruno tells us he has toured the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Mobile Learn More Centre.
“It was the first time I went through the display to understand further what it was all about. I was under a different impression before I went in there and quite clearly I left with a different impression all together. Frankly, I don’t know what the plan would be or what it would entail but I do know they are nowhere near the finishing stages of their consultations and I’m not aware of an environmental study that has been completed yet. So, it is very difficult to make a stance when you don’t have all the information but I do promise to get all that information and make a more educated stance on the subject. But, I have to admit it sound as disturbing as it sounds to grab something so volatile, put it into the ground, say thank you earth and walk away. I would never e in favour of something like that.”
Bruno adds, “I do want to know more about what they’re doing now and what other things we can do with it (used nuclear waste). One of the things I did ask, that I don’t have an answer for at the moment because I didn’t get one, is what’s your plan b? And they don’t have one. So, there’s a lot of open ended questions and I would like to have more information on the subject.”
Conservative incumbent Eric Melillo says, “There’s definitely great potential for opportunity and I’ve been doing my part to learn from NWMO (Nuclear Waste Management Organization) the work that they’re doing to consult the community and the work that they’re doing to make sure the process is safe as possible. I’ve also been listening to many constituents and hearing the other side of that. Definitely learning and gathering a lot of information at this point.”
Melillo adds, “I appreciate the way that the NWMO has been open to discussion and has been there to provide information, so I look forward to more of that.”
Remi Rheault of the Green Party is completely opposed.
“Although it’s not in Kenora itself should there be a leak, that’s going to run right into the lake. You want to preserve this area, you want tourism and you’re going to put a nuclear dump site in your own back yard? Why don’t they take that and put it back where it came from in the abandoned mine shafts? You know, there are other solutions than putting it some place where they have to dig a hole and damage the environment that we live in. I shake my head personally. Why are we risking our children? Why are we risking the next seven generations? How much is a life worth?”
Craig Martin of the People’s Party believes there is a simple solution.
“Right now the plans look to be a little bit lax and I would like to see them stiffened up to where it is completely safe but first and foremost, the community needs to be asked whether or not they want this in their community. It depends on what the community is wanting, that waste does need to go somewhere but it needs to be addressed properly and it needs to be safe. I would like to see a referendum go out to voters to see if they’re also in favour.”
Canadians head to the polls to vote on Monday.
(With Files From Mike Ebbeling)
