Mr. Speaker, on September 29, I asked the Minister of Natural Resources a question about shipping nuclear waste through the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence. I know that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, in response to various pressures, held two days of hearings and allowed 30 days for the submission of briefs. In other words, there has been some consultation.
I am quite concerned about the fact that, in my opinion, there is no strategic policy framework on radioactive waste from nuclear reactors. What is more, over 200 municipalities have already raised some concerns about this, and rightly so. I thought it would be a good idea to look at this in greater depth during these adjournment proceedings. During question period, we have only 30 seconds for the question and answer. It is good to be able to ask this type of question.
Gordon Edwards, PhD, co-chair for Canada of the Great Lakes United task force, is asking questions. He is calling for the establishment of a strategic framework. Such a framework already exists for spent fuel, but not for radioactive waste from nuclear reactors.
What is the government waiting for to establish a strategic framework? What should Canada's policy on exporting and importing this kind of waste be? Should Canada allow the shipment of this kind of waste on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, in light of the fact that this would be the first time that Canada would be exporting or importing radioactive waste from nuclear reactors that have been decommissioned or refurbished?
Furthermore, there is a second precedent. Radioactive waste from nuclear reactors would be shipped for the first time through the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. And radioactive waste from Canadian reactors would be introduced for the first time into the international scrap metal markets.
It would be appropriate for the government to answer these questions. The Standing Committee on Natural Resources has decided to wait for the decision from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, but it is not just a matter of whether or not to issue a permit. We must take a closer look at the issue to avoid creating a precedent in the absence of a strategic framework.
I would ask my hon. colleague to please answer that question.