Niobium mining by Niocan in Oka: UNANIMOUS OPPOSITION FROM THE MOHAWK, THE
CITIZENS OF THE REGION AND THE UPA

KANESATAKE, QC, Nov. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake, the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) of Deux-Montagnes and the coalition of committees formed by local citizens, supported by the MP of Mirabel, Ms. Denise Beaudoin, and by the Mohawk traditional council (Longhouse), are launching a resounding "No!" to the arrival of the mining company - Niocan. Supported by a petition that has gathered over 5,600 signatures, mostly from people in the area, the mobilization of local citizens against the niobium mining project in Oka is expanding. It currently has more than 30 organizations from varied backgrounds all agreeing to preserving the quality of life in the region.

"We are here today to tell you, again, that we do not want the niobium mine in Oka. We, the agricultural community, want to see major projects meeting the development priorities on which we have built our image, reputation and credibility", said the union president of the UPA of Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Nicolas Villeneuve.

Niocan plans to operate an underground Ferroniobium mine in Oka's Saint-Sophie range. The mine would be in operation for 17 years and would occupy about 6.4 hectares of arable land. Contrary to what Niocan is trying to make us believe, the company has not obtained social acceptance. Citizens and Mohawk oppose this project which would disrupt the local landscape. "The economic impact of this project on the local tourism industry, which the region currently enjoys, would be a major concern if the government were to accede to Niocan's request. There are hundreds of farms and small businesses that would suffer from this project and the 165 some mining jobs promised by the company to the locals would be nowhere near compensation for those whose quality of life would definitely deteriorate", said the representative of the coalition of local citizens' committees, Mr Simon Dubois.

This also reflects the position of Denise Beaudoin, Parti Québécois MP for the constituency of Mirabel, who has been following this matter closely and actively supporting the efforts of the citizens and the Mohawk. "Well before counting the economic graces of Niocan's project, public health, the environment and agriculture must be taken into account and made a priority", she said.

To the deteriorating quality of life, the Mohawk representatives recalled that Niocan's project is located within the limits of the Seigniory of the Lake of Two Mountains, currently under negotiation with the federal government. "The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake wishes to remind those concerned that the entire Seigniory of the Lake of Two Mountains, including the area chosen for the mining project, is currently the subject of territorial negotiations. Therefore, until an agreement is reached, the governments should impose a moratorium on any development project that could have a negative impact on the rights of the Mohawk", said Grand Chief Paul Nicholas Sohenrise.

Since its endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on November 12, 2010, "it is in Canada's best interests, to begin the process of implementation by working in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, in particular the Mohawk of Kanesatake. This important international human rights instrument is key to the reconciliation process and prevents proponents, like Niocan, from violating the constitutionally protected inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. Canada is legally obliged to uphold the honour of the Crown and, as in a recent Supreme Court of Canada decision, has a duty to consult and accommodate Aboriginal peoples in serious matters affecting their rights. The proposed Niocan project is a serious violation of the collective rights of the Mohawk people of Kanesatake whose self-determining right is protected under the Constitution Act of 1982", declares Ellen Gabriel, spokesperson for the Mohawk traditional council - Longhouse.

Today's mobilization demonstrates, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the lack of social acceptance of Niocan's project, making any authorization from the Quebec government inconceivable.

Alternative project

Aware of the need to decontaminate and rehabilitate the abandoned site of the St-Lawrence, the groups, here today, are currently working to design a sustainable development project that will be structured for the region. The new project would enhance the site while respecting the environment, the tourist attractions of the region and the peace of its residents.

For further information:

Virginie Michel
450-638-5159
Mobile : [phone]
[email protected]