Lower Churchill Media Release

November 28, 2012

For Immediate Release

Our Health, Our Rights, Our Future

Concerns must be addressed if Muskrat Falls goes ahead

The Muskrat Falls project will have significant adverse downstream impacts, present potential health risks and infringe on Inuit rights and land use, says Nunatsiavut President Sarah Leo.

“Labrador Inuit have well-established aboriginal rights and title downstream from Muskrat Falls that are Constitutionally-protected in the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement,” the President says. “We believe this development, if it proceeds, will negatively impact communities in central Labrador, Rigolet as well as the entire Lake Melville ecosystem.”

That belief is shared by many experts who made presentations during the environment assessment that was conducted for this project, notes the President.

“Nalcor Energy has been firmly entrenched in a position that fails to recognize effects of the proposed development on Labrador Inuit,” she says. “We have said all along that our health, rights and interests cannot be ignored.”

In an effort to get a better understanding of the downstream impacts of the proposed development, the Nunatsiavut Government has partnered with ArcticNet to conduct an independent research and monitoring program.

“We are conducting this work using credible, transparent and peer-reviewed research methods and processes,” says Nunatsiavut’s First Minister and Acting Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Darryl Shiwak. “We believe this work is necessary because the work done by Nalcor, in our opinion and in the opinion of many experts, is incomplete and inadequate.”

The Nunatsiavut Government is calling on Nalcor and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to engage in meaningful discussions to address Inuit concerns, and to ensure Inuit rights are protected.

“We need to find a way to ensure steps are taken to mitigate any adverse impacts this project will have on our health, our rights and our future,” says President Leo. “We have opened the door to discussions. It is our hope that Nalcor and the Province do the right thing, respect our Constitutionally-protected Land Claims Agreement, and work with us in the best interest of Labrador Inuit.”

Media Contact:

Bert Pomeroy, Communications
(709) 896-8582
(709) 899-0004 (cell)

Attachments:

muskrat_consult

muskrat_eis

muskrat_health

Muskrat Falls

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