From: Elizabeth Hoffman [elizabeth.hoffman@sympatico.ca]
Sent: December 5, 2008 10:18 PM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: dmbourdeau@sympatico.ca
Subject: Caribou Calving Grounds

To Whom it May Concern:
It has been brought to my attention that some consideration is being given to an application from Uravan Mines requesting permission to establish a mine in the Garry Lake area.
It has also been brought to my attention that this area is a calving ground for the Barren Ground Caribou.
I am well aware of the value of mining in Canada.  In the past, destruction of the natural environment has been secondary to the employment, subsequent profit from the mines and general prestige of Canada in the natural resources industry.  One has only to think of some of the mines of Nova Scotia.  
I would like to refer you to Andrew Nikiforuk's book Tar Sands, ISBN 978-1-55365-407-0  It provides an alarming insight into the ongoing destruction of the land as a result of this mining, as well as the subsequent loss of animal and bird life, not to mention abuse of water and natural gas supplies.
However, we are very quickly moving into a highly developed technological era.  A very real aspect of technology is that it moves mankind away from his rightful place in the environment.   Our place in the natural world is gradually becoming secondary. if not  forgotten.
Although we no longer have to hunt or gather for our daily bread, we all find great comfort in knowing that we have our native animals out in the wild, free to feed and mulitiply.  Who hasn't stopped to admire a wild thing as it comes into view? Who of us can imagine  or desire a life without wild life ever present in all areas of this find land?
It is with this in mind that I urge you to have the integrity to protect the calving grounds of the Barren Ground Caribou. 
Perhaps by taking a stand you can  further inspire the Federal Government to become pro active in the grave lose of so much of our wild life through the destruction of our land by extractionn of our natural resources. 
Thank you, libby hoffman