LETTER

Radioactive dump editorial contains fake news 

According to Lily Ryan’s editorial, “the Chalk River Nuclear Facility .... includes a huge radioactive dump ..which .... is reported under construction”. Reported by who?

To my knowledge, the PROPOSED facility is under review by Canada’s Environmental Assessment process; I personally made a submission as part of that process, which is posted on the EA website.

Elsewhere the Bulletin states that “The Bulletin’s policy is to not publish statements known to be untrue, even when presented as opinion – this  is our attempt to avoid anyone using the letters to pass along ‘fake news’.”  Well, here we have fake news in an editorial. The author also claims that “radioactive waste may eventually be stored within reach of a swelling Ottawa River. That is the same water spreading across Fraser Beach, Wychwood and Deschênes.”  Aside from pre-empting the Environmental Assessment process in rendering her judgement, Ms Ryan is perpetuating disinformation.

Jaro Franta, Montréal

NOTE: As Mr Franta points out, this is an excellent example of the difficulties in combatting fake news  (formerly called “propaganda”).  Yes, the facility itself is “under review”, but the Bulletin’s understanding is that site preparation has already begun. We would appreciate anyone’s actual photos to prove or disprove this report. We have three verbal sources, no photos.

Mr Franta appears to be saying because the project is under review, to say anything of its potential dangers is “fake news”.   Mr Franta’s view was expressed by MP Will Amos, as well.  “Sit down, wait, and be quiet,” in short.  Once it is approved, what can be done?  This hardly seems reasonable, given the risks.   - Editor