Thank you very much, and certainly to the witnesses, it's great to hear your perspectives on what we are discussing here at the committee for nuclear waste.
Of course, this morning we've heard testimony discussing global security issues associated with the nuclear energy industry, the reality of spent fuel management and the unique designs that allow for massive power generation without the downstream CO2 production. Moreover, we've again just heard about the safety aspect of deep storage of spent fuel for future civilizations through glacial action and how different communities are also fearful of any nuclear expansion. When it comes to glaciers, I go about 70 miles from my place and I look at the sign that said 10,000 years ago we were under a mile of ice. The rivers that we now have came because of that. I know it seems a little odd to talk about what happens for civilizations tens of thousands of years from now, but these then do become realities. It's an interesting discussion that we have.
Mr. Whitlock, your role is to ensure that reactor design at AECL meets international obligations on nuclear weapons non-proliferation, and you're also aware of Alberta's interest in SMRs. You've done extensive work on the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel.
I'm wondering what advice you can give the committee regarding the proper management of nuclear waste now and for the future.