Timeline extended for input to radioactive waste management consultation process
Ministry of Natural Resources has extended deadline to May 31 with UNENE serving as secretariat for university input to Canada’s policy modernization effort.
APRIL 14, 2021 – The timeline for input to Canada’s radioactive waste management policy review has been extended by two months.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (NRCan) announced this change in timing (from March 31 to May 31) as part of its effort to ensure a comprehensive public discourse and consultation in support of the policy review.
UNENE works as a secretariat for university input to the modernization effort. It is a connecting hub, representing and coordinating member university responses to the government’s waste management policy review, which launched in November 2020. UNENE is putting a letter together to provide as a written contribution to NRCan expressing and summarizing academic input to the policy review and possible thoughts on how the university community can further support policy development.
Academics from UNENE’s member and other post-secondary institutions participated in a virtual roundtable, Feb. 16, to share their perspectives and feedback as part of the consultation process.
Institutions that participated in the roundtable include: McMaster University, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Ontario Tech University, Queen’s University, Royal Military College, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, University of Windsor and Western University.
UNENE will collect the overarching university perspectives, from these and other universities, and collate those perspectives, providing the insights and information to NRCan.
NRCan says engagement on the radioactive waste policy will not end after the May deadline. Following engagement on the submitted discussion papers, a “What We Heard,” report and draft policy will be released for public comment. NRCan will work to ensure there is sufficient time, following the release of the report, for further feedback.
The consultation efforts are intended to inform the modernization of Canada’s radioactive waste policy to promote long-term management solutions, aligning with international standards and best practices.