https://www.lecitoyenrouynlasarre.com/article/2019/03/28/rodrigue-turgeon-le-principe-de-precaution-doit-primerRodrigue Turgeon: "The precautionary principle must prevail"
Several reactions to Sayona's decision
© Screenshot - National Assembly
MINES.If there is no longer any doubt that the Authier Lithium project will be submitted to the BAPE with the announcement of Sayona Quebec, the precautionary principle must now prevail, according to the Citizen Committee for the protection of the esker.
Spokesperson Rodrigue Turgeon therefore invites the entire population to rally around this common goal and to participate in the process leading up to the BAPE.
"Those concerned about the project and those with expertise must now contribute under the same banner, the precautionary principle.It must be ensured that no risk is run for the esker.Not just water, but all the wealth it represents, "he says.
Rodrigue Turgeon insists that independent studies be carried out, so as not to have to rely solely on those commissioned by the company.Finally, he hopes that the municipal elected officials of the territory will take a leadership role in encouraging as many citizens as possible to participate in the process.
Charette and Blais satisfied
Minister Benoit Charette and Abitibi-Ouest MP Suzanne Blais responded favorably to Sayona's announcement in a news release.
"I am satisfied with Sayona's decision and I am happy for the citizens who have mobilized.The Authier mine is a project I have been involved in since the beginning and for which I wanted a BAPE to serve as a platform for collaboration and dialogue between the various stakeholders, "said Ms. Blais.
La Motte maintains its support
The Municipality of La Motte also offers its support to the project in its new form.She says she respects the government's decision to submit it to the BAPE and assures that she will collaborate in the process."We believe that this project could have positive impacts, such as the creation of many jobs and significant economic spinoffs, both within our municipality and throughout the Abitibi RCM," said Mayor Réjean Richard in a statement. in the same breath the population to file a brief at the BAPE.
Same story of the Citizen Committee for sustainable development La Motte, which does not hide a certain disappointment."At 2600 tonnes a day, we lose four years of mine life, spinoffs and economic activities, jobs and municipal taxes.It also delays the start of the project by more than a year.But we are still happy that Sayona has decided to continue developing the project.Maybe that's what it takes, a BAPE, to reassure worried people, "says spokesman Olivier Lemieux.
NoVi and Revimat will get involved
For their part, the NoVi Committee of La Motte and Revimat have expressed their willingness to participate actively in the public hearings of the BAPE.The first wishes "to ensure that the project will not come at any time destroy or damage this natural jewel that is the esker".Spokesman Paul Lafrenière warns that "henceforth, Sayona will have to comply with the requirements of the BAPE".
Revimat intends to "produce a brief on the environmental, social and economic impacts for the region" and "give its final opinion on the project".His spokesman Marc Nantel regrets "that it took unparalleled citizen mobilization and legal measures", to obtain hearings of the BAPE and believes that "the mine will have a big rib to climb".
#WIN #LOSE = #FLAT.... better than some though. So can't complain.
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