This is a return to a question asked by Mr. Lewis yesterday, on the refusal of entry of the Fire Marshal at Giant Mine. On the morning of Wednesday, June 17, 1992, the Fire Marshal, accompanied by the acting chief mining safety inspector and the fire chief of the City of Yellowknife, attended at the Giant Mine to perform inspections. The officials were unable to gain access to the property.
One charge each has been laid pursuant to section 20 of the Fire Prevention Act against Mr. Terry Byberg, mine manager, and against Royal Oak Resources for obstructing the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal, the acting chief mining safety inspector, and the fire chief of the City of Yellowknife again attended at Royal Oak on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 17, 1992 and were given access to the property.
As the charges of obstructing the Fire Marshal have been laid, no further comments will be made on this matter by departmental officials or the Minister until the charges are disposed of in court. The first appearance in court of those charged is set for Thursday, July 16, 1992
The Department of Safety and Public Services is continuing to closely monitor safety conditions at Royal Oak Resources to ensure that the occupational health and safety of all personnel are preserved.