Day 31: Happy 18 Elisha! And thanks Scott Ried, MP, for your visit!

Happy 18th birthday Elisha. As you move into adulthood, may all your challenges be handled with grace and integrity. I love you and I'm proud of you.

Scott Reid, MP for this electoral district, arrived along with his assistant, Carol, having picked Mike up along the way. Standing around the campfire, Mr. Reid got a hint of what living on the side of the road is like with the bone-chilling cold upon us. With good humour, he accepted the down vest and scarf offered, but declined the toque. Those present seemed pleased to hear of his intent to advocate on our behalf with the province. He also committed to joining with the mayors' delegation that is being planned. They will head to Queens Park for a meeting with the Premier later this month. A further commitment was made to research what could be done to support the issue federally. Thanks Scott. We are grateful for your interest and support, and I personally appreciate your visit and your concern for my health.

photos by Oskar Graf

Having planned to visit the site for an interview, the Aboriginal People's Television Network (APTN) reporter was on hand to also hear Scott's message. Those with cable, can watch for that. With other news taking precedence, the Global interview has not aired. As far as I am aware, it is still scheduled for Sean Mallen's 5:30 p.m. National Show.

Dr. Gordon Edwards and Rob Del Tradici gave an excellent presentation to a full house at the Notre Dame Catholic High School in Carleton Place. We all came away more enlightened than when we went in. It was good to see some young people in attendance.

Dr. Edwards advises, "If you only ask one question of the Premier and his Ministers, grill them on what they are planning to do with the waste, much of which will be a burden for millennia." He also suggested that networking with organizations that have been through similar struggles is important to winning this one, and that contacting health organizations for their support would also serve us. If you can connect CCAMU with people who fit those descriptions, we'd appreciate it. APTN covered the presentation.

A head's up to Ottawa readers - ActCity Ottawa will feature a lecture/discussion on "mining rights- people's rights" On Wed. Nov 21st at 7 p.m. at the Bedford Mining Alert and Mining Watch Canada, 1064 Wellington St. http://ato.smartcapital.ca/actcity Guest speakers are CCAMU's very own Marilyn Crawford, co-chair of Bedford Mining Alert and Mining Watch Canada and Joan Newman Kuyek, National Co-ordinator of Mining Watch Canada.

And to Carleton Place readers - contact Jessica Fraser at nouraniumdownstream@sympatico.ca if you'd like to help create a C.P. CAMU. Mori remains popular, with people supplying her with litter and food. It's easy to see that she is an indoor kitty, content as she is enjoying the comforts of the heated trailer (as I am). Thanks to St. Paul's University for the lovely hoodie (do they still call them that?) and to those who have delivered wood and taken the time to visit.

Blessings,

Donna