It is business as usual for the Northern Community of Pinehouse after a judge has quashed a lawsuit trying to stop a 2012 Collaboration Agreement the community and Kineepik Métis Local signed with Cameco and Areva. The agreement is set to provide about $200 million in economic benefits to the community over 11 years and has helped the community engage in and enhance the economy in the area.

The threat from the lawsuit had tied up many resources in the community and created an air of uncertainty but it didn’t stop Pinehouse Mayor Mike Natomagan from pressing on. “Now that this is done it is a big relief in the community with the ruling and they let us move forward and build our future by being partners with industry,” said Natomagan. “We need this agreement for our young children.”

The lawsuit was filed by 39 people, of which only four were from the community with others from anti uranium groups and environmental organizations. They argued that treaty rights and aboriginal rights were abrogated and that the deal was secretive and that it would destroy the way of life in Pinehouse.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Alison Rothery in Prince Albert chastised the plaintiffs for trying to use the courts as a platform to express their opposition to uranium mining. The group was ordered to pay $16,000 in court costs, or $2,000 to each of the eight defendants. Candyce Paul, a spokesperson for the group told the Star Phoenix that they are contemplating their options about an appeal. They have until early October to decide.

The Saskatchewan and federal governments were among those named in the lawsuit.

Rob Gereghty, a Cameco spokesman, says the ruling came as no surprise.

“Well, we have said for some time now that this is an abuse of the legal process and a frivolous lawsuit. The judge left no doubt whatsoever that was the judge’s opinion,” he said.