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Again, following negotiations with Quebec, we have established a process to conduct a comprehensive environmental risk assessment based on a proposal which we developed together with professional experts in the field. Together with Dr. Peter Campbell of the University of Quebec and the National Institute of Scientific Research, an expert in the field of metal ecotoxicology, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and he holds a Canada Research Chair in Metal Ecotoxicology, we proposed an “Integrated Risk Assessment”.
The approach which we proposed involves the compilation of all existing data and information related to the environmental and ecological characteristics of the area which includes all information and past studies related to the mining activities in the region. This segment also will include a review of all studies related to the flora and fauna of the area in order to determine the characteristics of the food chain which has a bearing on human health. These data, together with the results of any ongoing or anticipated studies, will form a preliminary “ecological data base”.
In order to ensure neutrality and objectivity the compilation of the existing information and data will be carried out by a third party. This work will be carried out with clear terms of reference and under the supervision of two co-directors, Dr. Peter Campbell representing Oujé-Bougoumou and Denis Laliberte representing the Quebec Ministry of Environment.
Simultaneous with the compilation of existing ecological data, a “traditional land use study” has been conducted to detail the way in which the Oujé-Bougoumou hunters use the land with reference to specific areas. Also, local hunters have had an opportunity to identify specific sites within their hunting territories which are of concern from an environmental perspective. This study has been conducted under the direction of Dr. Len Tsuji of the University of Waterloo who has had extensive experience in conducting such studies and related studies along the west coast of James Bay.
This segment of the overall approach will provide an opportunity to introduce significant and valuable data deriving from traditional knowledge.
All these streams of information, together with the findings of the health study, will then be analyzed and interpreted in the form of a “Preliminary Quantitative Integrated Risk Assessment”. This assessment will indicate where the critical stressors are in the environment, the key receptors in the environment, the gaps in existing information, and priorities for action. The Integrated Risk Assessment will also make recommendations for remediation, monitoring and any further studies which may be needed.
Our approach to this situation has always been guided by a concern for the well-being of the Oujé-Bougoumou population, a determination to ensure that the truth be the goal and that we obtain the best advice possible. This is what we have done.
It has been truly puzzling for us to comprehend The Nation’s persistent failure to understand what has been going on in this file. Rather than asking for the facts and trying to approach this matter in a professional manner you have repeated unsubstantiated claims, you have made wildly inappropriate suggestions, and you have relied on the interpretations of individuals who do not have the professional qualifications to give meaningful advice. In the course of reporting on this story in the way you have you have raised the anxieties of members of the community and added confusion rather than clarity to the issue. You have decided at the beginning what the reality is and you have tried to interpret events to fit what you believe that reality is. This is not journalism—it is propaganda.
You have confused small water studies by the Quebec Ministry of Environment with our comprehensive environmental risk assessment and concluded that information was being withheld. All you needed to do is ask the question and you would have received the right information.
Where we have sought the advice of professional and internationally recognized ecotoxicologists you have relied on a geologist with a Master’s degree. I suppose The Nation knows best.
Where we have sought the advice of physicians and researchers whose professional careers focus on such issues you have relied on a retired political scientist for medical advice. I suppose The Nation knows best.
Where we have tried to be rigorous, scientific and yet compassionate toward our people, you have been speculative, unprofessional and inflammatory. I suppose The Nation knows best.
Abel Bosum
Former Chief
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