Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission all have a “duty to consult” with Indigenous communities as part of Canada’s journey towards reconciliation with its First Peoples.
But that does not give those communities a “veto” or require “unanimity” on a decision to move forward with the proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) at the Chalk River labs.
That was the position taken by proponents of the project as the CNSC held five days of public hearings on the project in Pembroke last week.
In opening statements, CNL president and CEO Joe McBrearty said his company is an “active participant in Canada’s journey toward healing and reconciliation.”
“Our relationship with Indigenous nations is much more important than any single project,” he said…
(Photo: Amanda Two-Axe Kohoko speaks for the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation during hearings on the proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility in Pembroke last week.)
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