Québec Mineral Exploration Association requests Minister Heurtel to intervene regarding the Presidency of BAPE on the issues of the uranium industry

The Association doubts the impartiality of the work

ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, May 7, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) confirms that the work of the commission of inquiry is responsible for the public analysis of the issues of the uranium industry will be clouded by partiality if Louis-Gilles Francoeur presides over said commission. The Association requests that David Heurtel, Minister of Sustainable Development, of the Environment and of the Fight Against Climate Change, intervenes.

At the presentation of the Office of Environmental Public Hearings (BAPE) concerning the procedures and development suggested for public hearings, it was confirmed that Louis-Gilles Francoeur would take over the chairmanship of this commission which the previous government had authorized. His mandate will be to analyze the environmental framework of the Québec uranium industry.

Before being nominated as vice-president of BAPE, Louis-Gilles Francoeur worked as a journalist, and during several presentations his prejudicial and non-scientific ideas were divulged in the mining industry and uranium issues.

Louis-Gilles Francoeur's previous history and preferences regarding questions which will be raised are widely-known and identifiable.

"The work of BAPE demands that the president of any commission be neutral and impartial. Our Association believes public stances taken by Louis-Gilles Francoeur demonstrates disapproving positions with respect to the mining sector in general and the exploration and exploitation of uranium specifically ", declared Philippe Cloutier, geologist and president of the AEMQ Board of Directors.

AEMQ also believes that the credibility of the work of the commission will be tainted and shadows of doubt will arise among the players in the mining sector.

"It would be inconceivable if an administrator of a uranium exploration industry or mining exploration company would preside over the managing of such a commission. Undoubtedly, this individual would be accused of partiality and public opinion would be immediately discredited" commented Valérie Fillion, Geologist and Executive Director of AEMQ. Logic requires that the presidency of this commission be awarded to an individual possessing a scientific and economic reputation who could guarantee the rigors and objectivity of the tasks.

The Association requests the intervention of David Heurtel, Minister of Sustainable Development, of the Environment and of the Fight against Climate Change, in the BAPE Office by taking the necessary measures to withdraw Louis-Gilles Francoeur as president of the Inquiry Commission. The Association sincerely hopes that an unbiased and neutral individual be nominated who can assure an objective analysis regarding the issues of the uranium industry.

Québec Exploration Mineral Association (AEMQ)
The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA) is a professional and industrial organization which represents those involved in Quebec's mineral industry. The AEMQ was created in 1975 and its mission is to promote sustainable exploration of the mineral resources in Québec and support the provincial economy. Today, it comprises 2000 individual members and close to 300 corporate members involved in the Québec mineral industry. The AEMQ is administered by a 20-member Board of Directors representing varied sectors of Québec's mineral industry. The Association has organized an annual convention, under the name of Xplor, which will be held October 21 to 23, 2014 at Place Bonaventure in Montréal.

SOURCE: Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ)

Marie-France Beaudry, Communications and Public Relations Officer, Tel. : [phone] ext 225, Cel. : 819 277-3863, [email protected] www.aemq.org