May 26, 1997. Nuclear Waste Dump Important Election Issue.

The Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area are gratified by the "high degree of interest" shown by voters in the Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Riding and by four of the federal candidates who responded to questions on nuclear waste disposal issues.

"The proposed nuclear waste dump and cleanup of existing wastes should be number one election issues in Renfrew County," said Kelly O'Grady, a member of the twenty year old environmental group. Barb Clarke of the NDP, Bob Gould of the PC's and Ed Pinnell of Reform all agreed that the dump was an important election issue, while Gay Curran-Desmond of the Canadian Action Party called it "the most important issue in this election in Renfrew County."

"We wanted to make sure the megadump issue was front and centre in this campaign, and I am not surprised we've succeeded," said group President Lynn Jones, describing the extensive interest in the question in the media and at all candidates meetings. "After all, more than 4,000 Renfrew County residents have signed petitions opposing federal plans to dump radioactive waste in our county. We want a say in this potentially very dangerous initiative."

Only Liberal candidate Hec Cloutier declined to respond to the questionnaire about nuclear waste concerns, calling the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County "a lobby group."

The group interviewed four Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke candidates, indicating to them that the responses would be publicized. "Riding voters want to know where the candidates stand," said group member Jean Brereton, "This process gives the candidates a chance to take a stand and say what they will do about it if they are elected. We are really disappointed that the liberal candidate refused to participate. He has been questioned repeatedly at all candidates meetings and he won't respond except to read a letter from [Minister of Natural Resources Canada] Anne McLellan."

Candidates were given background information and six questions. Clarke, Curran-Desmond, Gould and Pinnell all responded to questions during interviews. The questions, and exerpts of their answers are being published today. "We hope that voters will use this information on June second," says group member Ole Hendrickson. "There has been a political decision to build the nuclear megadump. Only a political decision will stop it. This is a chance for voters to make sure they influence the political decision."