If ever there was government idiocy this is it. Perhaps it is starting in the right direction.
Bob
Friday, April 2, 1999
Environmental panel gives Voisey's Bay project conditional approval
By DENNIS BUECKERT -- The Canadian Press
Environmental panel gives Voisey's Bay project conditional approval
OTTAWA (CP) -- An environmental assessment panel has called on the federal and provincial governments to settle aboriginal land claims in Labrador before approving a major mining project at Voisey's Bay, Nfld.
In a major report Thursday the panel emphasizes the Innu and Inuit must receive fair compensation for adverse impacts of the project on their traditional lands, access to jobs and a role in project management.
Subject to those and other conditions, mainly related to protecting wildlife and the environment, the panel says the project should be permitted to proceed.
"Provided these recommendations are carried out, the project would not seriously harm the natural environment, or country foods and people's ability to harvest them."
The Newfoundland government and the project sponsor, Inco, have failed to agree on how to develop the massive nickel-copper-cobalt deposit at Voisey's Bay, but Inco says it remains committed to the project.
Inco spokesman Jerry Rogers praised the work of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency panel, calling its report a significant milestone in the history of the Voisey's Bay project.
"This is the most comprehensive environmental impact analysis of a mining project in Canadian history. We're confident that we're going to be able to continue to work with everybody involved."
David Nuke, president of the Innu Nation, offered an equally positive reaction: "The Innu people are very pleased that the panel not only listened to us, but heard what we had to say."
Daniel Ashini, chief negotiator for the Innu, said he expects the governments of Canada and Newfoundland to implement the panel's recommendations.
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