Judge tosses lawsuit, business as usual at Pinehouse
- EFN Staff | September 12, 2014
It is
business as usual for the Northern Community of Pinehouse after a judge has
quashed a lawsuit trying to stop a 2012 Collaboration Agreement the community
and Kineepik Métis Local signed with Cameco and Areva. The agreement is set to
provide about $200 million in economic benefits to the community over 11 years
and has helped the community engage in and enhance the economy in the area.
The
threat from the lawsuit had tied up many resources in the community and created
an air of uncertainty but it didn’t stop Pinehouse Mayor Mike Natomagan from
pressing on. “Now that this is done it is a big relief in the community with
the ruling and they let us move forward and build our future by being partners
with industry,” said Natomagan. “We need this agreement for our young
children.”
The
lawsuit was filed by 39 people, of which only four were from the community with
others from anti uranium groups and environmental organizations. They argued
that treaty rights and aboriginal rights were abrogated and that the deal was
secretive and that it would destroy the way of life in Pinehouse.
Court of
Queen’s Bench Justice Alison Rothery in Prince Albert chastised the plaintiffs
for trying to use the courts as a platform to express their opposition to
uranium mining. The group was ordered to pay $16,000 in court costs, or $2,000
to each of the eight defendants. Candyce Paul, a spokesperson for the
group told the Star Phoenix that they are contemplating their options about an
appeal. They have until early October to decide.
The
Saskatchewan and federal governments were among those named in the lawsuit.
Rob
Gereghty, a Cameco spokesman, says the ruling came as no surprise.
“Well, we have said for some time now that this is an abuse of the legal process and a frivolous lawsuit. The judge left no doubt whatsoever that was the judge’s opinion,” he said.