Environment Committee on March 3rd, 2022

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Go ahead.

[Ramzi Jammal]

Pardon?

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Go ahead, Mr. Jammal.

[Ramzi Jammal]

Thank you, madam, for your question.

All of the documents are fully available. As for the consultations, they were already underway with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

What the commission has approved has already been made public. Everything is available on our website. If you are looking for a particular document, we can provide a hard copy to the committee.

[Monique Pauzé, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

I guess my six-minute speaking time is up.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Yes, that's correct. Since there were sound cuts, take fifteen seconds to comment. We don't have time for a question, though.

[Monique Pauzé, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

My comment is that I know of several groups who have asked to have the revised version of this document and they have not been given it.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Perfect, thank you. Noted.

Ms. Collins, you have the floor for six minutes.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I wanted to start by saying that it is disappointing that neither the natural resources minister nor the Minister of Environment could make time to appear at our committee, and I say this especially since it is such an important topic.

My first question is for the CNSC. It is nearing the conclusion of its environmental assessment of CNL's proposed near-surface disposal facility at Chalk River. CNSC staff recently recommended approval, and the first of two licensing hearings has taken place.

Is there any input that could be received at these public hearings that might lead the CNSC to decide not to proceed with the project, or has the decision effectively been made?

[Rumina Velshi]

While, as you've rightfully identified, this is a matter in front of the commission, it would not be appropriate for me to give you details of the particular application.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I don't need details because we have such a short time—

[Rumina Velshi]

Right.

The interventions are due by the middle of April, so yes, the commission, starts its two-part hearing at the end of May. That is when we are going to be listening to the interventions and then make a decision only after we've heard all of those different perspectives. Absolutely no decision has been made. That's why it's a two-part hearing, to allow intervenors to submit.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Thank you.

The Kebaowek First Nation has asked that the hearings be halted until a consultation framework between them and the CNSC is in place. This has been a long-standing request. Can you talk a little bit about why this request has not been met when reconciliation and meaningful consultation must be the starting point for any government decision that affects indigenous peoples' lands and rights?

[Rumina Velshi]

Ms. Collins, I think you have a copy of the commission's decision on that request that we had for an adjournment. As you would have read in that decision, or in that letter from the registrar, it is part of the commission's proceedings to see the level of engagement that has happened and whether it has been adequate to meet the honour of the Crown, so that is part of the hearing. That decision was made consistent with the rules of the commission's proceedings.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

The commissioner of the environment and sustainable development will be tabling an audit report on nuclear waste management later this year. These audits typically involve the investment of several years of investigation and research. Wouldn't it make more sense to consider the audit's findings before making important decisions related to the disposal of radioactive waste, particularly at the facility at Chalk River? Wouldn't it be a missed opportunity to incorporate lessons learned and best practices going ahead?

[Rumina Velshi]

Ms. Collins, that audit is under way. As you know, the CNSC is one of the three parties that's being reviewed.

The audit's scope does not look at the commission proceedings side of things, whether it's around a hearing process or the decision-making process. The focus is very much around our oversight and enforcement. [Technical difficulty—Editor] the Auditor General knows about the hearing and around the timeline for the decision that indicated no concerns with that.

Any improvement that they identify will absolutely be taken into consideration, but it will be very much around that.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Thank you so much.

If the commission approves CNL's proposal, would that set any precedents for future nuclear waste disposal projects?

[Rumina Velshi]

If the question is on whether, if this particular application is accepted or denied, that means any other nuclear service disposal facility—

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Does it set any precedents?

[Rumina Velshi]

No. Each application is assessed on its own merit.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Thank you so much.

In 2021 the City of Ottawa passed a resolution urging the CNSC and CNL to stop importing radioactive waste from other provinces to Chalk River; to increase safeguards; to protect the Ottawa River during site demolition and waste transfer activities; and to prevent precipitation from entering the near-surface disposal facility. Can you explain what actions have been taken to address these concerns?

[Rumina Velshi]

When it comes to imported waste, from the CNSC's perspective we make no distinction on whether the waste is domestic or imported. It just needs to be managed safely.

The question around a decision on whether the import of radioactive waste should be allowed is more of a policy decision. Maybe you want to ask Ms. Johnson.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I hear that. Thank you.

The other part was in terms of the safeguards to protect the Ottawa River.

[Rumina Velshi]

Maybe I'll turn to Mr. Jammal to give you a detailed response to that.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Great.

Could you keep it to 30 seconds or less?