Nova Scotia

N.S. premier says municipalities who want funding must allow ‘economic development’ after uranium concerns

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston recently responded to West Hants regional councillors’ request to slow down uranium development in the area by sending a detailed list of provincial funding projects in Hants County. This came after councillors unanimously passed a motion urging the province to pause before granting any leases for uranium mining exploration in the region.

In a letter addressed to the CAO of West Hants Regional Municipality and Mayor Abraham Zebian, Premier Houston emphasized the government’s commitment to moving forward on natural resource projects. He highlighted that the province has invested approximately $227.3 million in Hants County through various projects and groups since he took office in 2021.

The list of funded projects included investments in flood-risk infrastructure, public housing maintenance, Highway 101 twinning, cultural organizations like the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia, local legions, bridges, Mermaid Theatre, ground search and rescue teams, and other community programs.

While acknowledging the council’s environmental concerns, Premier Houston stressed the importance of developing resources like uranium, zinc, and copper to boost the Nova Scotia economy. He urged the West Hants council to collaborate with the government in finding a path forward for the benefit of Hants County and all Nova Scotians.

Mayor Zebian expressed surprise at receiving the letter before officially requesting a pause on uranium exploration. When asked about the possibility of the letter being perceived as a threat to cut off provincial funding, Zebian remained optimistic and focused on advocating for the needs of his municipality.

The letter to West Hants was part of a similar communication sent to the Municipality of Pictou County, which also raised concerns about uranium exploration. Premier Houston highlighted that the province had invested approximately $293.3 million in Pictou County since 2021, excluding health care and highway twinning projects.

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Zebian emphasized the importance of municipalities advocating for their residents, even in the face of conflicting views with the government. He noted that concerns about resource development are valid and need to be addressed through transparent dialogue and community engagement.

Despite the premier’s letter not directly addressing Zebian’s request for public meetings before issuing exploration licenses, Houston emphasized the need for responsible resource management to drive economic growth in Nova Scotia. He underscored the importance of balancing economic development with environmental considerations to ensure sustainable progress.

As discussions around uranium exploration continue in Hants County and other regions, the government’s next steps remain uncertain. Premier Houston mentioned the possibility of conducting aerial surveillance to assess the resource potential in the identified sites. The absence of bids from companies interested in exploring for uranium underscores the complexity of balancing economic opportunities with environmental concerns in resource development.

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