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
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
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)