Stake holder involvement in the Canadian review process for uranium production projects in Northern Saskatchewan

Over the last quarter of the 20. century there was increasing concern among Canadians regarding the environmental including socio-economic, impacts of industrial development, and the need to reduce these impacts to acceptable levels. This led to the evolution of Canada's and Saskatchewan's legislation and institutions for protection of the environment, including an environmental impact assessment (ETA) process for new developments. Democratic participation was strengthened through laws passed in the 1980's and the 1990's by introducing open, transparent public hearings that assure access of all stakeholders to the EIA process. The public became an important stakeholder in the EIA process through these hearings. The licensing and permitting process, however inter-related, still maintained an independent role. Because of the public's concern for radiation protection, development of uranium mining has always been a particularly contentious issue. Within the EIA framework the governments appointed a Joint Federal/provincial panel on Uranium Mining Developments in Northern Saskatchewan (the Panel) to review six new mines. The Panel met from 1991 to 1997 with the mandate to: '...review the environmental, health and safety and socio-economic impacts of the proposed uranium mine developments in Northern Saskatchewan and assess their acceptability'. The mandate further staffed 'However, concerns may be raised by the public which extend beyond the impacts of direct concern to the Panel, and in such cases the Panel Will ensure that the public is provided a reasonable opportunity to express these concerns'. The Panel was also directed to provide full opportunities for public consultation and review. This case provides an example of how stakeholders are included in a formal hearings process established to evaluate the risks associated with the development of projects judged to a have potential significant environmental consequences. This is a case where stakeholder involvement has developed at both the national and provincial level and is institutionalized in laws and regulations. While this case relates to issues and questions regarding radiation protection associated with uranium mining, it also shows how concerns regarding radiation protection are extended to socio-economic issues as well as broader societal concerns for the rights of individuals, nuclear non-proliferation and disturbing a pristine wilderness through industrial development. (author)