The Impact Assessment by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada of the Deep Geological Repository for Nuclear Waste Might Not Happen

Most recently, on September 18, 2026, notice was given in the Gazette that the federal government may amend the Building Act to list the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project as a project of national interest. 

Environment North does not support listing the DGR as a project of national interest. The unprecendented DGR project risks contamination of water and land for thousands and thousands of years.  It must undergo a thorough and independent impact assessment process!  It should not be fast-tracked or pre-aprroved.

TAKE ACTION: 

Send your comments to DGRComment-CommentaireDSCGP(at)mpo-bgp(dot)gc(dot)ca

Sign the letter prepared by We the Nuclear Free North

Send a letter to your MP.  Print or download the letter prepared by Environment North (edit if you wish, no stamp required if mailing):   

Ask questions of municapl election candidates.

“As a candidate in the upcoming municipal election, if elected, will you urge the federal government to protect the integrity of Canada's impact assessment process and ensure nuclear waste projects are never fast-tracked, pre-approved, or exempted from full federal review?”

“Many communities have expressed concern or opposition to the NWMO project through a resolution. If elected, would you support your municipality passing a resolution?”

 

Background on threats to the Federal Impact Assessment of the DGR

First, on Friday May 8, 2026, the federal government announced potential changes to REGULATORY PROCESS (the proposal discussion paper). The federal government is proposing that the review of nuclear projects would be conducted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission alone. Currently the review of the Deep Geological Repository is an integrated review by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. 

Second, on June 24, 2026. the federal government announced that the Deep Geological Repository for Nuclear Waste is one of three major projects under consideration to be listed as projects of national interest under the Building Canada Act. The government stated that a national interest project listing would shift "Canada’s regulatory focus from ‘whether’ the project should proceed to ‘how’ it will proceed." (Canada.ca)

 LEARN MORE:

  1. Visit We the Nuclear Free North for more details and actions
  2. Nuclear Waste Watch webpage:

"Decisions about nuclear projects must be based on sound information that has been examined and tested by the public, independent experts and an independent review panel. Social concerns, protection of public health and the environment, and economic value must all be considered." 

3. Environment North DGR Impact Assessment Page

4. Environment North submitted Comments to the proposal discussion paper regarding by Environment North regarding the potential changes to the engagement process. 

Summary of Main Points

  1. Reject the proposal to make the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission the single project authority for nuclear and nuclear waste projects;
  2. Confirm that all related nuclear project impact assessments, including ongoing assessments in the Planning Phase under the Impact Assessment Act, will remain with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada;
  3. Exclude all nuclear and uranium projects, including transportation corridors, from the Project of National Interest list, Federal Economic Zones, or other mechanism that could pre-approve, streamline, or fast-track a project before a full IA is complete; and
  4. Preserve or strengthen meaningful public participation safeguards in nuclear-related decision-making, including but not limited to public comment periods, participant funding, access to information, and hearing opportunities.

Note: the comments submitted included two Appendices which were part of comments previously submitted by Environment North to the Impact Assessment Agency.  Here is the link to that submission:

Also submitted by Environment North: