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

First, on Friday May 8, 2026, the federal government announced potential changes to REGULATORY PROCESS (see below). 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 projects under consideration to be listed as a major projects 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)

The unprecendented deep geological repository project risks contamination of water and land for thousands and thousands of years.  It must undergo a thorough and independent assessment process!  It should not be fast-tracked or pre-aprroved.

TAKE ACTION: 

Send a letter to your MP.  Print or download our prepared letter (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?”

LEARN MORE:

  1. To read the Government proposal for Regulatory Changes visit "The proposal discussion paper".
  2. Visit We the Nuclear Free North for more details and actions
  3. Read Open Letter by LAND
  4. 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." 

4. Environment North has submitted comments:

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 actual submission 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: