Studying the Ajax Mine Application and Keeping an Open Mind…
I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine in the media week before last. This person was certain I was not going to support the Ajax Mine Application.
I am not sure where this opinion has come from. I have maintained my neutrality about the proposal, waiting for the application for environmental application to submitted. I have committed to taking a position after I have reviewed and analyzed the application.
It’s probably a good idea to point you towards the stance on Ajax I wrote for the 2014 Civic Election.
As mentioned there, I have set a very high bar for my support for Ajax. I have a strong concern about impacts to human health, for example. I have supported initiatives like a ban on cosmetic pesticide use. So, I can understand why some might think I am already against Ajax.
This might ultimately turn out to be the case. But, I am trying to be very open minded to the possibility that I could support the mine application as well.
I don’t know if I will be able to carefully read the full +/- 18 000 page application in the next 75 days. That is why I am starting an Ajax mine reading club. I am hoping to coordinate gatherings of people with a bit of time to read and summarize / analyze and who have an open mind about the application.
Here is the full application:
http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/html/deploy/epic_document_362_39700.html
And here are plain language summaries of the application, created and posted by the mining company:
http://application.ajaxmine.ca/Home.aspx
Arjun Singh
Arjun is a trained facilitator and is currently co-chair of the Canadian Community for Dialogue and Deliberation.
Arjun was born and raised in Kamloops. His parents, Dr Gur and Mrs Manju Singh, immigrated to Canada from India in the 1960s. He previously served on council from 2005-2008. He has a MA in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University and a Certificate in Dialogue, Deliberation, and Public Engagement from Fielding Graduate University.
Arjun welcomes your questions or feedback on any community issue or initiative.
Since 2005, he has written a blog for Kamloops citizens and people interested in Kamloops – www.yourkamloops.com.
You can also find Arjun on twitter at @yourkamloops or @arjunsingh.
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