A third party is seeking to make legal arguments in the case regarding Indigenous rights around the Near Surface Disposal Facility at Chalk River.
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation (AOPFN) have filed for “intervener” status in Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ appeal of a Federal Court decision on the NSDF earlier this year.
In her decision released February 19, Justice Julie Blackhawk ordered CNL and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to resume consultations with the Kebaowek First Nation.
Justice Blackhawk ruled that the consultations must take place under the principles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and its standard of “free, prior and informed consent” (FPIC).
But CNL announced in March that it had filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal to overturn Justice Blackhawk’s decision.
CNL said it “remains fully committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous nations.”
But the company said it “firmly believes in the science that is behind our proposal, which is the culmination of almost a decade of study, federal and provincial review, and engagement with Indigenous communities, the public and other interested parties.”
It’s not clear what issues AOPFN wants to raise at CNL’s appeal.
AOPFN provided its consent to the NSDF as part of a “long-term relationship agreement” (LTRA) signed with CNL and Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd in 2022…
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