From: Linda Bilyea [lindabilyea@rogers.com]
Sent: December 8, 2008 5:31 PM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: 'Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca'; 'DShewchuk@gov.nu.ca'; 'Prentice.J@parl.gc.ca'
Subject: Uravan Garry Lake Project , NIRB File 08EN037


      The Nunavut Impact Review Board is an environmental assessment agency, established under Articles 10 and 12 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. The Board determines whether development projects proposed for the Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA) should proceed and, if so, under what terms and conditions. The primary objectives of the Board are to protect and promote the existing and future well being of the residents and communities of the NSA, and to protect the ecosystem integrity of the settlement area. The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has the overriding authority to approve or reject projects in national or regional interest.

      Dear Sir or Madam,

      I am writing to strongly urge that Uravan's application to mine for uranium on the calving grounds of the Beverly Caribou Herd be denied.

      It is clear that the population of the herd has dropped, sharply, and, although the exact reason has not been discovered, it is obvious that the caribou do not need yet another stressor added to their environment.  

      If, as the above clip says, one of the main objectives of the NIRB is to 'protect the ecosystem integrity of the settlement area', I can not see how allowing a uranium  company to mine in the area is fulfilling that objective.

      I think that there should be a moratorium on all destructive development of the caribou calving grounds,
      and turning down this application would be an excellent start.

      Please look after the caribou. 

      Thank you for your time,

      Linda Bilyea
      Toronto, Ontario