Later in 2024, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) will reach a major milestone in implementing Canada’s plan, when we select a site for Canada’s deep geological repository. This will represent a key moment that connects the past 20 years of work to the future of the organization, setting the stage for the next decade of regulatory decision-making.
As we move towards this crucial step, I want to reflect on the importance of collaboration. We could not have gotten to where we are today without the leadership and dedication to learning shown by the people in potential host communities. The process to select a site has always been community-driven, and that has never been more important than in this year, as each community decides whether it wants to host the deep geological repository.
To support these communities in their decision-making, we recently released updated Confidence in Safety reports. These reports build on the years of research contained in the previously released 2022 Confidence in Safety reports, and the results continue to provide the NWMO with confidence that a deep geological repository can be constructed at either site. These reports highlight how safety is at the core of everything we do. It has driven our project design, engineering, environmental research, and community engagement.
Collaboration is central to our work. So, every year, we invite the public to share their thoughts by completing a survey on our implementation plan, Implementing Adaptive Phased Management 2024-28, which is an overview of the work we intend to carry out over the next five years. The survey is a great opportunity to have your voice heard — and we are listening. Please complete it by June 7, 2024. We take your feedback seriously and use the survey findings to help shape the future of our work. We truly believe this project can only get better with your input.
We also just released the NWMO’s Annual Report 2023, which outlines our collective activities from last year that helped us reach this point. I encourage you to read the report to see some of the great work being done at the NWMO.
While a big part of our focus in 2024 is selecting a site, that decision is not just a milestone for this year. It is the beginning of a new chapter as we look towards the future. Over the next decade, we will be going through a robust regulatory decision-making process that is designed to ensure the project protects people and the environment. The process will require extensive engagement with and participation from many groups. By continuing to collaborate with local communities, Indigenous peoples, scientific experts, international leaders, the nuclear industry, governments and others, I am confident that we can implement Canada’s plan and create the future together.
As we move towards this crucial step, I want to reflect on the importance of collaboration. We could not have gotten to where we are today without the leadership and dedication to learning shown by the people in potential host communities. The process to select a site has always been community-driven, and that has never been more important than in this year, as each community decides whether it wants to host the deep geological repository.
To support these communities in their decision-making, we recently released updated Confidence in Safety reports. These reports build on the years of research contained in the previously released 2022 Confidence in Safety reports, and the results continue to provide the NWMO with confidence that a deep geological repository can be constructed at either site. These reports highlight how safety is at the core of everything we do. It has driven our project design, engineering, environmental research, and community engagement.
Collaboration is central to our work. So, every year, we invite the public to share their thoughts by completing a survey on our implementation plan, Implementing Adaptive Phased Management 2024-28, which is an overview of the work we intend to carry out over the next five years. The survey is a great opportunity to have your voice heard — and we are listening. Please complete it by June 7, 2024. We take your feedback seriously and use the survey findings to help shape the future of our work. We truly believe this project can only get better with your input.
We also just released the NWMO’s Annual Report 2023, which outlines our collective activities from last year that helped us reach this point. I encourage you to read the report to see some of the great work being done at the NWMO.
While a big part of our focus in 2024 is selecting a site, that decision is not just a milestone for this year. It is the beginning of a new chapter as we look towards the future. Over the next decade, we will be going through a robust regulatory decision-making process that is designed to ensure the project protects people and the environment. The process will require extensive engagement with and participation from many groups. By continuing to collaborate with local communities, Indigenous peoples, scientific experts, international leaders, the nuclear industry, governments and others, I am confident that we can implement Canada’s plan and create the future together.