NDP: Uranium mining and exploration ban must stand

Halifax -- Today, NDP members of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee put forward a motion calling on the committee to reaffirm their support for the ban on uranium mining in Nova Scotia.

The two Conservative members of the committee voted against the motion, but it ultimately passed.

“This topic was put on the table by our Conservative colleagues, against our objections, as we are concerned at any perceived or real weakening of support for the ban that’s currently in place,” said NDP MLA and committee member Lisa Roberts. “Nova Scotians have resolutely opposed uranium mining for over 30 years. We could be talking about new economic development opportunities, instead of trying to roll back environmental protections.”

The NDP government banned uranium mining in 2009, legislating a moratorium that had been in place in Nova Scotia since 1981.

“Economic development is changing. New, green jobs and transforming our economy in the face of climate change are the way forward to a more prosperous province,” said NDP Business spokesperson Claudia Chender. “We need to seek out bold, new ideas when it comes to economic development and ensure there are good jobs for workers and that new industries can thrive.”

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