CNL has filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal regarding the Federal Court’s decision (T-227-24) related to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) approval to amend CNL’s licence for the Chalk River Laboratories site to include construction of a Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF).
CNL remains fully committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous nations. For the NSDF, CNL’s engagement activities over the past eight years have grown to encompass all Indigenous communities and organizations who have expressed an interest in the project. All of these engagement activities are being carried out in the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, and with a goal towards ongoing participation and relationship building.
Through the appeal, CNL seeks to obtain clarity and direction on to how to navigate the changing legal landscape with respect to Indigenous rights and interests. Because there are few examples of the application of UNDRIP in Canada, and none in the nuclear sector, it is important that CNL obtain a clear understanding of what is required to continue to pursue our work and mission to responsibly address Canada’s nuclear liabilities.
While the appeal process unfolds, CNL remains committed to continued engagement on this project, and we are actively working towards resumption of these important conversations.
CNL firmly believes in the science that is behind our proposal, which is the culmination of almost a decade of study, federal and provincial review, and engagement with Indigenous communities, the public and other interested parties.
CNL will continue efforts to minimize the environmental impacts of these historic nuclear liabilities until a permanent solution is in place.