Nunavut to hold uranium mining forums

People across Nunavut will soon be able to voice their opinions on uranium mining in the territory, by attending a series of public forums over the next two months.

The first forum will take place March 16-17 in Iqaluit, Premier Eva Aariak announced on Monday.

Similar meetings will be held in Baker Lake and Cambridge Bay in late-March and mid-April, respectively.

"Each public forum will include an open house where the public can gather information, a presentation by experts and representatives ... and a public meeting where the public can voice their views and opinions and ask questions of the panelists," Aariak said in the legislature Monday.

The panel will include representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik, Nunavut Makitagunarningit, the N.W.T. and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The territorial government seeking public input as it develops an official position and policy on uranium development, which has been the subject of public debate in recent years.

Areva Resources Canada Inc. is proposing to build a uranium mine at its Kiggavik site, about 85 kilometres west of Baker Lake in Nunavut's Kivalliq region. The company's proposal is currently undergoing an environmental assessment.

Aariak said other Nunavut communities can take part in the three forums. Each mayor has been invited to nominate a local representative to attend one of the forums.

Those who cannot attend the meetings in person can also send in comments by phone, email or fax. The government launched a website on Monday with information about how Nunavummiut can submit their input.