Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News

5/18/2011

The provincial NDP is asking the McGuinty government to permanently squash shipment of steam generators across the Welland Canal and Great Lakes.

Environment Critic for the New Democrats, Peter Tabuns raised the issue at Queen's Park Wednesday.

Tuesday,Bruce Power pulled its request for US permission for a shipment from Owen Sound to Sweden.They need that approval because the trek would take boats into American waters.

Bruce Power hit pause on the project in Canada in March. The company said the delay was to allow more time to discuss their plan with concerned groups, especially First Nations.

Environmental groups & Great Lakes mayors worry about contamination of drinking water should there be an accident.

Tabuns says the government has failed in its basic duty to protect the citizens of Ontario.He wants to know why it has not asked for an environmental assessment of the plan.

The Energy Minister said the plan had gone through a "vigorous process" before being greenlighted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Brad Duguid added he had written to Bruce Power, urging them to take every safety precaution.

In February, Duguid told 610 CKTB News he has an obligation to respect the expertise of the nuclear watchdog, which answers to the federal government.

Tabuns worries allowing Bruce Power's plan to go ahead will set a dangerous precedent.