Go ahead.
Evidence of meeting #7 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was review.
A video is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #7 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was review.
A video is available from Parliament.
6:55 p.m.
Executive Vice-President and Chief Regulatory Operations Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Pardon?
6:55 p.m.
Executive Vice-President and Chief Regulatory Operations Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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.
6:55 p.m.
Liberal
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.
6:55 p.m.
Bloc
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.
6:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Perfect, thank you. Noted.
Ms. Collins, you have the floor for six minutes.
6:55 p.m.
NDP
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?
March 3rd, 2022 / 6:55 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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.
6:55 p.m.
NDP
6:55 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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.
6:55 p.m.
NDP
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?
6:55 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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.
7 p.m.
NDP
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?
7 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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.
7 p.m.
NDP
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?
7 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
If the question is on whether, if this particular application is accepted or denied, that means any other nuclear service disposal facility—
7 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
No. Each application is assessed on its own merit.
7 p.m.
NDP
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?
7 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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.
7 p.m.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
I hear that. Thank you.
The other part was in terms of the safeguards to protect the Ottawa River.
7 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Maybe I'll turn to Mr. Jammal to give you a detailed response to that.