Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
February 4, 2026
RE: Deep Geological Repository Nuclear Waste Disposal Project
To whom it may concern,
I have significant concerns with the proposed Deep Geological Repository nuclear waste project in the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Ignace.
Firstly, the structure of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is unacceptable. The only decision-makers in the organization are facility owners. It is a blatant conflict of interest to mandate them to regulate themselves.
This consultation process is woefully inadequate. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and NWMO cannot expect the public to read a very long, technical brief and comment on their concerns in only a month.
I strongly urge the IAAC and NWMO to conduct a full impact assessment and panel review. More robust study is needed of environmental impacts and required mitigation measures. The environmental and health risks of nuclear waste extend far beyond the
160-year timeline of this project. The current 70-year monitoring plan is insufficient. What is the IAAC and NWMO’s plan to safely store 150,000 tonnes of highly radioactive nuclear waste for the long term? There is little information on the costs of storage, transport, infrastructure and maintenance. This responsibility cannot be left to the small host municipality to bear indefinitely.
Transport must be included in environmental assessment. The rationale for exclusion does not make sense: transport is a necessary step for the designated activity. The proposed site is over 1500 km away from the reactors in Southern Ontario and would rely on northern roads susceptible to harsh weather conditions. Moreover, at least 210
First Nations along the route could be affected by the transport of waste. Their rights to proper consultation and consent must be respected.
The proposed site at the headwaters of the Wabigoon and Turtle-Rainy River watersheds carries a high level of risk to interconnected lakes and rivers. More stringent water protection measures beyond the Clean Water Act are needed.
This project has faced pushback from many neighbouring First Nations, including from the Saugeen Ojibway First Nation, the Chippewas of Nawash, Treaty 3 chiefs, Eagle Lake First Nation and Anishinabek Nation. The repeated decision to store nuclear waste next to First Nation communities (as is the case with the Kebaowek First Nation and
Chalk River) fundamentally violates Indigenous rights. There are numerous other communities in the area who must be properly consulted: the city of Dryden, Lac Seul First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Naotkamegwanning First Nation and others.
I echo the concerns raised by the Assembly of First Nations around the lack of transparency around the site selection process and the need for support for First Nations-led impact assessment. Much more needs to be done on local and regional consultation. The major backlash to this project from First Nations is evidence that this project has not received free, prior and informed consent.
I also raise a recommendation submitted by the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area (CCRCA). CCRCA urges the NWMO to examine the use of ramps instead of vertical shafts. Ramps are safer for evacuation and transport. They would allow easier waste monitoring and retrievability and reduce accidents.
Canada continues to invest in nuclear energy at its peril. Solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectricity are proven solutions: magnitudes cheaper, safer and quicker to deploy than nuclear reactors. We cannot continue to make shortsighted decisions and saddle the costs – economic, health and environmental – onto future generations.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich-Gulf Islands
Leader of the Green Party of Canada