January 2011
Nuclear path rejected
Re: Gov't look to restart nuclear initiatives (SP, Jan. 20). Do we really need to go down the nuclear road yet again?
After many meetings and public consultation, the majority of the people of Saskatchewan were firmly against getting involved in nuclear energy production (as well as nuclear waste storage, but that is another agenda).
Nothing has changed. Nuclear energy is still economically not feasible due to the massive costs for building, maintenance and decommissioning.
It is still environmentally irresponsible with regards to mining, transportation and water usage. It's dangerous from a public health and safety perspective, with the possibilities of an accident during power production or leakage from waste storage. There is no safe level of radioactive contamination.
I am not sure what voter base Premier Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party are trying to attract in this election year, but it is certainly not the average Saskatchewan resident who values clean air, clean water and clean energy in a safe and healthy environment.
We should focus our efforts on energy conservation and supporting clean energy alternatives such as solar, wind and geothermal. Nuclear energy is not clean or green. It's negligent to try to pass it off as green by focusing only on the lack of smokestack emissions.
The government needs to be a leader in sustainable energy. Why not put up solar collection panels on the roof of the legislature and on all government owned buildings? Are you listening, Premier Wall?
Vicki Strelioff
Saskatoon
The Star Phoenix, January 26, 2011
The Star Phoenix, January 26, 2011
Problem with panhandlers
The problem with panhandlers is that they will waste the cash you give them.
They present a seemingly justified need, then turn around and blow the money on something unnecessary and often destructive, and then come begging for more.
Taxpayers are asked for billions of dollars, which Prime Minister Harper then uses to purchase F-35 fighter planes. These are only needed if we go to war with a major country with sophisticated weapons, and therefore a waste unless you're Lockheed Martin.
Premier Wall is begging for tax money to build unneeded and dangerous nuclear facilities. If built, he'll be back looking for more cash to cover overruns and to clean up contamination.
He's also asking for money to build a domed stadium so the affluent can sit in comfy box suites. That's an unnecessary expense, especially in light of the fact that we have struggling families and individuals experiencing real desperate needs, some are even on the streets.
The solution to panhandlers is to ask questions and find out what is going on. When we invest ourselves in the problem, then we'll know how to respond.
Gordon Allaby
Osler
The Battlefords News-Optimist, January 28, 2011
'No' Means 'No' To Nuclear Industry
Dear Editor
With Premier Brad Wall’s announcement that some mini-reactors might still be a possibility I was dumfounded that, after the public consultation meetings and over 80 per cent of Saskatchewan residents saying ‘no’ to nuclear reactors , the Saskatchewan Premier would turn a blind eye and still think nuclear. Big business has more influence than the citizens of Saskatchewan.
He states that there is also potential for more nuclear medicine in Saskatchewan ?
He stated, “Our government didn’t make its decision with respect to a conventional reactor because of political pressure , in fact, I’d argue that those opposed to adding value to uranium or looking at nuclear power in this province are in a minority.”
Wall said, “But we did make the decision based on economics , based on the finances of it.”
The premier says the government hopes to announce a partnership with a private company soon to research small nuclear reactors that could easily plug into the province’s existing electric grid
I my opinion this does not sound like medical reasoning but full scale nuclear reactors to me .
Does Saskatchewan have an open door become a nuclear waste dump site?
I would suggest the citizens of Saskatchewan explore other political parties that oppose uranium mining and nuclear reactors. You will find only one .
Ron Cox
Lloydminster Sask.
The Star Phoenix, January 28, 2011
Hollow assurance
Re: Uranium clean up plan in works (SP, Jan, 20). So, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Cameco insist that "the spilled uranium concentrate (en route to China) ... poses no risk to the ship's crew, the public or the environment."
Are they kidding? By their own admission, they do not even know the extent of the leakage.
But, not to worry. With CNSC's rigid regulations we will have nothing to fear when the high-level nuclear waste comes rolling into our province. Yikes!
Linda Murphy
Saskatoon