"We want to show how proud we are of the doctors to have finally made this a provincial debate. Like it should be," states Marc Fafard, founder of a grassroots group opposed to uranium mining.

The doctors oppose a proposed uranium mine at Kachiwiss Lake, about 13 kilometres from Sept Îles, because they believe it will harm the environment and the health of area residents.

The Quebec government responded by stating it would create a special committee to study potential risks of uranium exploration and mining on health and safety. The government maintains that mining the radioactive heavy metal poses no public health hazard and Jean-Pierre Thomassin, director general of Quebec's mining exploration association, agrees.

"This is strictly a fear campaign," he said. "The doctors probably have cottages near the site and don't want to be bothered."