To the editor,
After reading an article published in the NWOnewswatch about 'Ignace voting on potential nuclear waste facility,' I’m surprised just how much education is needed after 14 years of consultation with NWMO and entering into the 'Learn More' education program about site selection and alleged safety and storage of used nuclear waste.
Transportation and storage have always been the top two concerns for me. Writing numerous protest letters doesn't seem to get the message across to NWMO, government officials and the residents of Ignace.
Perhaps I can provide a different approach here. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms - emphasis on 'Fundamental Freedoms' section 2 (b) - Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press, and other media of communications, and section 7 - Life, liberty and security of people - give privileges to every permanent resident in Canada - with some exceptions.
At the end of July, residents of Ignace will vote on either to accept or reject a deep geological repository in their surrounding area. The residents of Ignace have been given privilege to put non-residents in harm’s way.
The Constitutional Rights of people who do not live in Ignace are abandoned by not being allowed to vote on this issue. As stated above, contraventions are found at ss. 2 (b) and 7 with respect to not being able to express one's opinion by expression of a vote; especially if there is a potential of harm to one's health and safety.
If residents of Ignace need more education, it should reflect on the effects of other people's health and safety and their Constitutional Rights, more so than NWMO's propaganda material.
Residents of Ignace should also keep in mind about the inaction of our provincial and federal governments, who fail to protect the safety of all residents living near the proposed transportation routes of this toxic waste by not allowing non-residents to vote on this issue.
NWMO has created a stir between friends, relatives, neighbours, and municipalities for the past couple of decades. You would wonder if advocates for NWMO would need some education in sociology. The effects of incidents and mishaps that pose harm to people if they are subjected to exposure would be a starting point.
Perhaps learning to accept rejection would be a positive learning tool. They just cannot get the message that Northern Ontario is not a dumping site for their nuclear active waste product. Perhaps the residents of Ignace will agree that Northern Ontario is not a dumping site for used nuclear active waste.
Ed Dunnill
