From: Peter Heinz [pheinz@rogers.com]
Sent: December 4, 2008 7:03 PM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca; Prentice.J@parl.gc.ca; DShewchuk@gov.nu.ca
Subject: Uravan Garry Lake Project, NIRB File 08EN037

Perhaps the greatest sight in my life is the Beverly caribou herd. In two separate years, I have travelled to Nunavut with the sole purpose of experiencing caribou. The first time, I saw perhaps a thousand total in several different sightings; the second visit, very much fewer, but still worth the trip north.

I am saddened to read that the herd is diminishing rapidly - a sad  
blow to the environment and, I suspect, to tourism.   I am even sadder  
to hear that their calving grounds might be disrupted with a possible mine and all its complications.  Caribou are a symbol of everything Canadian.  Caribou are synonymous with life.

I salute those mining companies that have backed out of the breeding- grounds because they have both foresight for the environment and respect for the people and their tradition. If even one mine is established, many more will follow because your government has set a precedent.

I urge you to keep the breeding grounds free of industry. Pressure on the Beverly herd is immense at present and mine development will make it even worse. Approval of even one mine opens the door to endless applications in the future. Future is more important than the past.  
The Beverly Caribou Herd served the North well in the past. It, too, deserves a future.

Please say No to mine development in the calving grounds.

Peter Heinz
Toronto,  Ontario