NSNDP

September 18th, 2019

Burrill: Conservative commitment on the environment can’t include uranium mining

HALIFAX -- Tim Houston needs to clarify where he stands when it comes to protecting Nova Scotia’s land and wildlife, given that his Conservative Party made uranium mining a top priority to discuss at the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.

“You cannot legitimately claim to be concerned about the environment, and be in favour of uranium mining and exploration. These two things are simply incompatible,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill.

In a recent email to citizens concerned about Northern Pulp, Houston wrote, “I’m constantly interested in solutions that protect the environment, protect our fishing and forestry industries, our overall economy, and honour the First Nations.”

Uranium mining has not been permitted in Nova Scotia since 1981.

“For almost 40 years, communities across our province have been unequivocal in their view that uranium mining is not right for Nova Scotia,” said Burrill. “The public deserves to know where Tim Houston stands when it comes to protecting Nova Scotia’s water -- and particularly, whether or not he supports reintroducing uranium mining in our province.”

The Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee will discuss uranium mining at next week’s Standing Committee meeting in Halifax.

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