On March 28th, Québec Environment minister Yves-François Blanchet announced that the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) will hold public hearings on the uranium sector in Québec. These hearings are scheduled for the Fall of 2013 and will focus on the environmental and social impacts of exploration and mining of uranium in Québec. The Minister also indicated that no authorization certificates for uranium exploration or mining projects in Québec will be issued until the BAPE's independent study is completed and its report is issued.
The Minister stressed the importance for the Government to respect the principles relating to the protection of the social environment and the protection of Aboriginal peoples, their societies, their communities and their economy. Aboriginal organizations will therefore be invited to play a significant role in the consultation. The Minister indicated that the BAPE's study will be conducted in collaboration with the review committees and advisory committees provided for in the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, the Northeastern Québec Agreement and the Environment Quality Act.
The Government's press release is available here (in French only): http://www.mddefp.gouv.qc.ca/infuseur/communique.asp?no=2383
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