Some History of Nuclear Waste in Saskatchewan

The current debate around Saskatchewan hosting a nuclear waste dump is not new, we have been here before. Below are some historical articles of the great nuclear waste debate from the 1990's.

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited commissioned a report entitled "Prospects for Saskatchewan's Nuclear Industry and it's Potential Impact on the Provincial Economy 1991-2020".

This report introduced the concept of "uranium fuel leasing" which meant uranium could be sold for a premium price with an agreement to have the purchaser send its nuclear waste back to Saskatchewan for burial. Reports still exist of northern residents being told they have an ethical and moral obligation to "take it back", as if uranium and nuclear waste were the same substance.

This is important history for Saskatchewan citizens to understand. Please note - these are old newspaper clippings which have been scanned, so not all are of top quality, all are legible.

Tribal Council joins non-Native firm – Saskatoon Star Phoenix July 1991

Nuclear fuel storage studied: Native group keys on job creation – Saskatoon Star Phoenix November 2, 1993

Non-military use of uranium can't be assured: panel – Saskatoon Star Phoenix November 1993

Meadow Lake Crees visit Mescalero – local Mescalero, New Mexico update February 1994

Critics of nuclear waste dump worry full story not being told – Saskatoon Star Phoenix Mar.3/94

ICUC letter – from Phillip Penna explaining who the players were in the Mescalero Tribe in New Mexico

Map of waste system – chart created by Miller Hudson who was working for Mescalero

First Step Taken by Indians for Saskatchewan A-dump – Globe and Mail Oct. 1994 (refers to chart included here)

Nuclear Waste disposal may create jobs – Regina Leader Post, October 14, 1994

Nuclear Dumps Risky – Regina Leader Post, October 15, 1994

Meadow Lake Band wants nuclear waste, claims Orchard – Star Phoenix article October 15, 1994

Canadian Indians might store N-waste - Albuquerque Journal Feb.13/95

Anti-nuclear group doubts waste abandoned – Saskatoon Star Phoenix Dec.2/95

Nuclear waste disposal plan deficient: AECB – Saskatoon Star Phoenix Jan.20/96 (Canada's nuclear regulator used to be called the Atomic Energy Control Board or AECB. Currently it is known as the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission)