Rebuttal ’

By Roy Johnston I feel compelled to reply to Mr. Linklettler and Mr. Lai‘s com- ments in last week’s Netted Gem, regarding the nuclear issue. There are several facts which are crucial to our understanding of this issue:

Fact #1: Disposal of nuclear fuel is linked with the arms race and nuclear proliferation: The Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd., (AECL), as Mr. Dixon stated in his presentation, is considering re- processing spent nuclear fuel to remove the plutonium. This is one option open to the AECL when ‘the wastes are being disposed. Plutonium is not found in nature, it is man-made, and it is extremely toxic (a minute particle inhaled into the lungs can produce cancer). Plutonium is also the essential ingredient in most nuclear wea- ports. Several studies, the Com- mission in the United Kingdom, and the Porter Commission in Ontario have identified the proliferation of nuclear weapons as a crucial question to be ad- dressed. ‘

Fact # 2: Mining, milling, and refining of uranium ore produce radioactive wastes: Effective

means of waste disposal at these stages of the nuclear fuel pathway have not been implemented. As Mr. Dixon admitted, millions of tons of radioactive wastes are pre— sently polluting the environment in several Canadian communities.

The AECL should assume at least some of the responsiblity for safely disposing of these toxic materials since it is the AECL who controls and regulates all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. If we lived near one of these mining communities perhaps we would recognize that the safe disposal of the nuclear wastes is a major concern. '

Fact #3: There is no safe level of exposure to radiation: We have evolved over centuries while living in a background of natural radiation from sources such as the sun and from sources found in the earth. This radiation covers a wide spectrum of frequencies, from invisible infared (heat), to visible energy (light), to higher cosmic energy. This energy is, for the most part, beneficial; solar radia- tion is converted by plants into sugars which support growth and provide food for animals and

LETTERS".

Off-Campus Student Housing It would seem that students, especially those who do not live on campus, have a concern and vested interest in finding secure .and reasonable housing in the university area for a fair price.

This concern was brought to the atttention of the'Student Union at its lastest general meeting. Hope- fully this letter will shed some light on what students can do, if as tenants they are unhappy with any aspect of their premises. Fol- lowing are a few points which may be of interest.

Currently rent increases of 3% yearly are allowed on heated or unheated premises. There must be twelve months between rent in- creases with a minimum of ninety days notice before such an in- crease can become effective. On premises where the rent did not increase in the past calendar year, a 5% increase is allowable.

Under the Rent Review Act, it is

the responsibility-of the landlord to obtain approval from the Rentalsman for an increase ex- ceeding the allowable percentage.

Before a landlord can evict a

tenant the landlord must apply for and obtain a court order. Tenants have the right to go before a judge and argue against eviction. How- ever, 'to end a tenancy agreement the landlord must give one months notice, just as the tenant must do a month before leaving:

Because landlords are people

who wish to provide a proper service at a proper price, one which will allow them some profit they cannot be criticized for rent increases provided they operate in accordance with the above noted laws.

The Rentalsman is a civil ser- vant working for both landlords and tenants. John Comeau is the present P.E.I. Rentalsman. His office is located at 11 Kent Street. If a tenant feels any rent is un-

to

Criticism of criticism

people; burning the stored energy '

in wood releases heat and light energy providing warmth against the cold. However, certain types of radiation cause ionization within the molecules of cellular ‘structures of living organisms, including people. Not all radiation produces ionization, sleeping in a warm bed or turning on a light bulb do not produce harmful ionizing radition. Ionizing radia- tion includes: X-rays, alpha par- ticles, beta particles, and gamma rays. The nuclear industry pro- duces vast quantities of ionizing types radiation. Ionizing radia- tion is produced when certain unstable elements such as uranium “5 break apart in fission. The result of all exposure to ionizing radiation has been described by Dr. Karl S. Morgan, as “a mad- man loose in a library”. The cell may die or may be altered. This

cellular change, depending on where it occurs in the body, may produce cancers or changes in body chemistry. Most often the exposure to ionizing radiation is destructive to overall health.

Fact #4: Nuclear generated electricity provides less than 1%

n

justified, the Rentalsman can set up an informal hearing to review the landlord’s request.

The Prince Edward Island Tenant’s Association is a further informative avenue for student tenants. The Association is a non- profit citizen’s organization formed in reaction to what it per- ceived to be abuses of tenant’s rights by landlords. The aim of the Association is to help tenants organize to develop common policies that will improve condi- tions for tenants. Michael LeClair

is the spokespersbn for the Asso- '

ciation and can be contacted at 892-3790.

If any student wishes further information, I can be tracked down in theiLibrary Lounge.

Students of‘U.P.E.I. must col— lectively show the University their interest in alternative housing in the campus area. Any ideas stu-

‘ dents may have would be greatly

appreciated . Thank-you for the space. Parker Grimmer

of total world energy production: To suggest that much of the world would be freezing in the dark if we didn’t develop nuclear energy is just not true. The nuclear indus- try has received billions of dollars of subsidies from taxpayers and still finds itself with. very few sales of new reactors. The indus- try in Canada has resorted to price fixing of uranium and kickback payments to foreign agents to try and sell CANDU reactors aboard.

Fact #5: The power of the atom

was first developed in a secret '

military operation conducted by

‘ American, british and Canadian

scientists. It was called the Man- hatten Project. Canada provided the uranium for these first nuclear weapons. Almost all of this'pro- ject was conducted in complete secrecy with even the US. Con- gress and the Canadian Parlia- ment not being informed. The

“peaceful use” of nuclear power '

has often provided a cover for the continuing escalation of nuclear military prodhction.

The present production and stockpiling of nuclear'wastes pre- sents serious health and environ- mental problems for Canada. The

Psychology Dear Fellow Psychology Majors:

The department is undergoing some major changes. We have a right and a responsibility to voice our opinions. I personally feel that there is room for change, especially in the area of course selection. Freudian theory and a basic counseling course would be a welcome addition.

Please call me, mornings at 894-9744 if you care to become involved. Or you can drop off your ideas at the Psychology department. ' ‘ Susan Boyd

Effective Reading Fellow Students:

Do you find it hard to complete your reading assignments? I had this problem prior to taking the Effective Reading CoursefBefore I decided to take this course, I thought it could be a waste of time. I recently completed the fall session and discovered it was well worththe time as I made major improvements in my abilities.

The next session starts at the beginning of the second semester in January "". The session con- sists of 2 hours of class-time as

record of the world‘s industries in

providing technical solutions for V

toxic wastes is not reassuring. Shouldn’t we be cautious? While the problems of waste disposal is being addressed, doesn’t it make sense to stop producing more wastes until a proven solution is developed.

However, the solutions must be ones which reflect the larger. social, political and economic factors. We can’t just isolate nuclear waste disposal and ignore other important issues related to public health, proliferation of nuclear weapson, energy policy and public participation in the decision-making process. We must try to integrate all of these aspects together in order to find solutions that will truer reflect our love for the earth and all life.

It is important that we all understand the issues involved and the we press government and industry to mobilize the resources necessary to provide the best solutions. The information pre- sented here, my questions at Mr. Dixon’s lecutre, and my criticism of his presentation have been intended to constructively contri- bute to our understanding of this important issue.

well as 3 hours of lab time for 6 weeks. The objective is to im- prove your reading speed. As a result, you will see improvements in vocabulary and comprehension. In the lab,~you work independent-- Iy by the means of electronic. equipment. This course helps your concentration and retention. The course consists of tips and techni- ques to improve study habits. 7 Prior to taking this course, I found it hard to keep up with my reading assignments. Now, I have lots time to review the material before exams as well as finding time for a new interest: Pleasure

- reading. _

May I urge you to take the time to become a more effective reader. It is well worth the time!

A Surprised Student

Continued. ’

l ovember 21. 1985

Page 4

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THE NETI'ED GEM

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