Northern Ontario First Nation says yes in referendum on possible nuclear waste site
Global News
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization plans to select a site this year where millions of bundles of used nuclear fuel will be placed in a network of underground rooms.
A northern Ontario First Nation has decided it is willing to continue with the process to potentially become host to a deep geological repository for Canada’s nuclear waste, leaving just one more community to weigh in before a site is selected.
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization plans to select a site this year where millions of bundles of used nuclear fuel will be placed in a network of underground rooms connected by cavernous tunnels.
The process for the $26-billion project has already been narrowed down to two far-apart sites, and the organization has said it would require approval from both the municipality and the local First Nation.
The town council of Ignace, between Thunder Bay and Kenora, voted in favour earlier this year, and its counterpart Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has now also voted yes. The community is committed to thoroughly exploring the project, it said in a statement.
“The yes vote does not signify approval of the project; rather, it demonstrates the Nation’s willingness to enter the next phase of in-depth environmental and technical assessments, to determine safety and site suitability,” the First Nation wrote.
Chief Clayton Wetelainen wrote that Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has been involved in this process for more than 12 years, and members have decided to continue on the path.
“As Anishinaabe we have a sacred relationship with the land,” he wrote in the statement. “We belong to the land, and we have a sacred duty to protect the land for all our relations and for generations yet to come.”
The Municipality of South Bruce, located south of Owen Sound, has also decided it is willing to move forward, after the “yes” side narrowly won out in a referendum, and parties are awaiting a decision from Saugeen Ojibway Nation before a site can be selected.
The statement from Global Affairs Canada comes a day after U.S. intelligence leaders unanimously testified that reports denying foreign involvement should be retracted.
It may be the first day of spring, but Ontario’s long winter isn’t over, with more snow and icy conditions expected before a full warm-up arrives
The policy is something of a reversal from a government that killed a similar idea shortly after taking power. Back in 2019, the province said the policy would be unenforceable.
The recall states that 'the ovens in the ranges can experience a delayed ignition of the oven's bake burner, which can create a potential risk of burns.'
U.S. President Donald Trump is widening the cracks between the United States and European NATO members with his calls for allies to help him finish the war he started with Iran.
The legislation from U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker would launch a U.S. Trade Representative investigation into whether the Canadian law unfairly burdens American commerce.
The New York Islanders plan on moving their American Hockey League affiliate from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Hamilton, Ont., for next season.
Mayor Michael Prue said Diageo appeared to lose steam in its attempts to quickly sell a facility in his town as soon as Doug Ford stood down his threat to ban Crown Royal.
Dillon Whitehawk has been found guilty of first degree murder in killing of Keenan Toto, but not guilty in killing of Jordan Denton.
Waterloo’s police chief says snipers may continue to be used at large events as needed, following their deployment during a St. Patrick’s Day street party.
Parents and students in Nova Scotia and Manitoba are dealing with the aftermath of what could have been two deadly school attacks, after FBI intel leads to arrests.
The Toronto Police Association and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both called on the judge who suggested police witnesses may have colluded to apologize.
Most Canadians want the government to ban or regulate the use of algorithms to set prices, a new poll suggests — with half of respondents saying the practice is unfair.