In January, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) initiated an assessment of a proposed nuclear waste repository in northwestern Ontario. The repository is being advanced by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), which is charged with finding a long-term solution to Canada’s mounting nuclear fuel waste.
The NWMO has proposed building an underground repository at a site near the Township of Ignace and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. The proposal has received support from the township and First Nation, but it remains deeply contentious with other First Nations.
The impact assessment process recently began with the NWMO filing an initial project description, followed by a public commenting period. Nearly 900 comments were received, including written submissions from 22 First Nations, five regional and treaty organizations, and the Assembly of First Nations.
