Environment Committee on March 1st, 2022

[Meggan Vickerd]

Perhaps I'll start, and then Mr. Dermarkar can add.

Specifically, that study was an independent review that AECL commissioned to review our safety case for the near-surface disposal facility.

With respect to the recommendations, we've incorporated all of the feedback we heard into our safety case already. We've incorporated the information that is relevant to the current phase of the project. There are some recommendations for once we're into operation, but we haven't yet constructed the facility because we're awaiting a decision from the CNSC, obviously.

I just want to clarify that those best practices are things that we're already doing well. These are not best practices that they want us to do, but things that we have already implemented well.

[Leah Taylor Roy, Liberal, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON]

That's great. Given the time, thank you very much for clarifying that. That's great to hear.

The second thing I want to ask about is indigenous consultation, and you mentioned that the major difference between having the review done by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the previous legislation under CEAA 2012 was the participation of indigenous communities.

I understand that you're grandfathered to a certain extent, but given the emphasis on truth and reconciliation, especially call to action 92, and given that we're signatories of UNDRIP, do you think that it would help relations with indigenous communities if you did proceed under the IAAC rather than the old legislation?

[Joseph McBrearty]

It's first important to understand that CNL and AECL fully support all indigenous rights under UNDRIP. We have done early and frequent engagement. We will continue to do that as we go forward. That is part of our process and it's part of our commitment. As I said earlier, when we look at the commitments we have made to the CNSC and to the community as part of our EIS and EA, those commitments are not only short term; many of them are very long term for long-term relationship agreements, etc.

[Leah Taylor Roy, Liberal, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON]

Could I ask a quick follow-up question? I have heard comments that some indigenous groups would like it done under the newer legislation. Why, then, would you not want to do it under IAC?

[Joseph McBrearty]

We believe that the CEAA 2012 process that we were grandfathered under is adequate to cover the parts of the IAA that you're discussing. Mr. Demarkar may have a further comment.

[Fred Dermarkar]

If I could add to that, just last week, Mr. McBrearty and I were at a session where there was a leader from first nations. One of his comments was that, for him, the path forward is very much about acknowledging the wrongs of the past and moving forward in partnership. It's not about moving forward in action plans, but in partnerships.

They are looking for substance in relationships and that's what we're pursuing. It's not so much about the process. His message to us—my takeaway of it—is that it's not so much about the process; it's about the substance of how we move together in partnership.

Both Mr. McBrearty and I are very strongly focused on this. Our staff, of course, is working on relationships with indigenous communities, but both of us are also personally committed to meeting with leaders from indigenous councils and chiefs.

[Leah Taylor Roy, Liberal, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON]

That's great to hear. Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Thank you very much.

Unfortunately, we're out of time, but we had some wonderful discussions today in both panels. I want to thank the panellists from this panel for sharing their expertise and insights, and for answering all of the questions directed to them. Thank you again.

We have one more meeting left in our study. That will be on Thursday evening at 6:30. If members are wondering why, it's because the Board of Internal Economy has taken our 11 o'clock Thursday morning slot, which can happen from time to time, so we will be bumped to 6:30. I'm sure that it will be an excellent meeting, as well, and I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday evening.

Thank you again to the witnesses.

The meeting is now adjourned.