Natural Resources Canada releases first report on public input to radioactive waste management policy review

 
 
Illustration of students thinking about clean energy
Image: Natural Resources Canada

First report includes participant views on radioactive waste minimization, storage, decommissioning and disposal. University perspectives will be included in next engagement summary report. Input for the second report is due May 31. 

MAY 17, 2021 – Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has published the first of two engagement summary reports capturing what it has heard from Canadians about modernizing Canada’s radioactive waste policy, during its first reporting period.

The feedback in the report reflects public input NRCan received between November 2020, when the consultation process began, and this past February. NRCan continues to accept input for its second engagement report, until May 31. That report will reflect the input of participants, including university perspectives, collected between February and May.

The first engagement report provides a snapshot of views and perspectives from participants on topics such as:

  • Values and principles to modernize the policy; 
  • The roles and responsibilities of government, the regulator, industry and others; and
  • Canadians’ perspectives for the policy as it relates to radioactive waste minimization, storage, decommissioning and disposal.

UNENE works as a secretariat for university input to the policy modernization effort. It is a connecting hub, representing and coordinating member university responses to the government’s waste management policy review.

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.

UNENE will collect the overarching university perspectives, collate them and provide the insights and information to NRCan.

NRCan says engagement on the radioactive waste policy will not end after the May deadline.

Following the release of the second engagement report, the 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.

For more information on NRCan’s policy modernization process or to submit your input, click here.