It seems likely the municipality will not help pay for lab costs to determine the levels of radon Port Hope residents have been exposed to over the years.

In response to a presentation from resident Dan Rudka who implied it was the municipality?s responsibility to at least fund a portion of the lab costs associated with testing being conducted by the Uranium Medical Research Centre (UMRC), Coun. John. Morand pointed out the health and safety of local residents should also be a federal government concern.

But it’s clearly not, he said.

After some investigative research, Coun. Morand said he recently learned that in 1996 the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission proposed to fund $30,000 for a local study to determine the impact of Cameco?s operations on the health of children?s kidneys.

Somehow, he said, that money got lost somewhere along the line and it hasn?t been heard of since.

?Why would you think this council should support a study when the federal government hasn?t?? he asked.

Mr. Rudka agreed, however reiterating his brief presentation, he said the people of Port Hope deserve some answers to questions they have about their health.

While the UMRC, which was recently obtained by the Port Hope Community Health Concerns Committee, is proposing to do the actual physical study at no charge, there is a hefty lab cost involved that many concerned residents may not be able to afford.

The health concerns committee kicked off a fund raiser to allow anybody to be involved in the testing process and is inviting anyone, including Cameco Corporation to make a donation.

Mr. Rudka who stressed he was not speaking for the committee, said it would only be suitable for the municipality to make a contribution.

?For the sake of an answer to the state of the health of the people,? Mr. Rudka said it’s time for councillors to put the past behind them.

?Port Hope can be very generous to others in times of need, now it’s time to start taking care of your own,? he said. ?I believe it’s time Port Hope embrace this opportunity to support the UMRC.?