First Nations withhold support for the expansion of the nuclear plant until inquiries regarding waste are addressed.

In a letter addressed to its members and obtained by Canada’s National Observer, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation stated that two First Nations residing near the proposed expansion of Canada’s largest nuclear power plant will refrain from endorsing any new projects until a viable resolution is reached regarding the issue of nuclear waste within their territory.

The Ontario government, while announcing the province’s first major nuclear development in three decades, emphasized that Bruce Power, the operator of the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station, must establish a robust and secure system for managing nuclear waste.

However, the government’s press release did not explicitly reference the progress or plans for a deep geological repository, which is intended to serve as the long-term solution for nuclear waste storage in the country.

 

The Saugeen Ojibway Nation, comprising the Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, is among the two potential locations for the proposed nuclear waste facility by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). The other contender is Ignace, Ont., situated approximately 250 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay.

The NWMO, a non-profit organization assigned with the responsibility of managing used nuclear fuel disposal, is set to choose a site for the underground storage of Canada’s nuclear waste. The selected location will house a geological repository situated roughly 500 meters below the surface, equivalent to the height of the CN Tower. The final decision on the site is scheduled to be made in March 2024.

 

According to Smith, compensation will be provided to the communities selected as hosts for the deep geological repository.

However, the specific details regarding whether the host First Nations will participate in a revenue-sharing model or receive a lump sum payment remain uncertain. Currently, discussions regarding this matter have not even commenced between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and the NWMO, as stated by Smith.

Furthermore, it is unclear whether the members of both First Nations’ communities will be supportive of the NWMO’s plan for establishing a nuclear waste facility. Smith highlights that community members hold the ultimate decision-making authority regarding the proposed agreement to host the waste facility, rather than the elected chief and council.

 

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the political body representing 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, has strongly expressed its opposition to constructing the waste facility in the northern region. In 2022, the organization passed a resolution voicing concerns about the impact on watersheds that flow into Hudson Bay.

On the other hand, the Grand Council Treaty 3, which represents the First Nations in the vicinity of Ignace, currently maintains relationship agreements with the NWMO.

Concerns exist among the northern First Nations regarding the potential consequences of a nuclear spill resulting from transportation trucks carrying waste. There is apprehension that such an incident could disrupt the winter road access of the northern communities, thereby severing a crucial supply route for multiple communities.

In their communication addressed to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s membership, it was expressed that a resolution and reconciliation regarding the historical legacy issues associated with nuclear power on their territory is sought.

During the 1960s, the construction of the Bruce Power Station, which stands as one of the largest nuclear power stations globally, took place on the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation without prior consultation or consent.

 

Previously, there existed no arrangement for revenue sharing between the nuclear power station and the nations involved.

However, a notable development has taken place wherein the Saugeen Ojibway Nation has entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with Bruce Power, the private operator of the nuclear station. Under this agreement, the nations will now have the opportunity to benefit economically from the profits generated by a new medical isotope primarily utilized in prostate cancer treatment.