Science, sociology
Re Uranium report muddies science with sociology (Aug. 28) and the Cree Nation's position on uranium and the Matoush project:
In our territory, Eeyou Istchee, our treaty guarantees that both environmental and social impacts of proposed development projects will be considered. This unique regime is specifically designed to respect and protect Cree society and our way of life, and recognizes the Cree Nation's special status in Eeyou Istchee.
The Matoush uranium project was located in Cree territory, on family hunting grounds where Cree families regularly hunt and trap. Our communities welcome responsible natural-resource development, and we have concluded many benefit-sharing agreements with proponents, including for major mining projects. But we had, and continue to have, legitimate concerns about the long-term risks of uranium mining and uranium waste, for our lands and for future generations. And as a result, we were not prepared to negotiate an agreement regarding the Matoush project.
Science alone does not provide the recipe for sustainable development. Our experience demonstrates that respectful relationships with local communities are also essential. In Eeyou Istchee, science is not muddied by sociology – science and sociology must co-exist.
Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come, Grand Council of the Crees, Eeyou Istchee, Que.
Broad assertions
Re The rating agencies are getting off too easy (Aug. 28): Nouriel Roubini discusses rating agencies as if they have one collective track record, which is false. His broad assertions do not reflect Fitch's performance.
Systematic and data-driven analysis is an important part of Fitch's ratings criteria, with an emphasis on bringing as much relevant information and data analysis into the decision-making process. Ratings are decided by committees of highly experienced analysts who typically make annual country visits and conduct semi-annual formal reviews. Our process also allows for subjectivity, however, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
We agree with Mr. Roubini that assimilating all of these factors into a comparable and consistent framework is complex – which is why investors value our work.
Andrew Smitiuch, Canada country head, Fitch Ratings, Toronto, Ont.
Hat tip to a hat
Re The hat must go on (Aug. 28):
There was that sad, end-of-a-Canadian-era feel when my husband said the Tilley company had been sold. The catalogues were fun to read with the little stories of real people's adventures, the products were interesting and practically modelled by staff, and they generated a strange camaraderie when we were far away from home and would be approached by other Tilley wearers.
Unlike the knockoffs, Tilley hats are special. They float, they have a pocket for money, bandages and steri-strips (don't ask) – and most important, they do not allow the sun's rays to penetrate through the material. This is important for those, like me, with sun sensitivity.
Our biggest tribute to the Tilley hat came when our van was broken into while we were Christmas shopping. The thieves left the radio, the loose change and the packages that were already in the van – the only thing stolen was my winter Tilley hat, which had been on my seat.
Frances Bruno, Windsor, Ont.
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