The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has reviewed the December 2022 request from Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation to present their final submissions by way of an oral hearing. On January 31, 2022 the CSNC posted the Notice of Public Hearing and Procedural Guidance for Final Submissions. The Commission agrees that, in the spirit of reconciliation and in recognition of the Indigenous oral tradition for sharing knowledge, the Commission will allow oral final submissions by Indigenous Nations and communities that made oral interventions during Part 2 of the public hearing.
The hearing is scheduled for June 27, 2023 in the Ottawa- Gatineau region. The agenda for the hearing will be published prior to the hearing date on the CNSC website.
As previously detailed in the revised notice of public hearing including procedural guidance for questions and written final submissions, intervenors who made oral submissions during Part 2 of the public hearing have the option to make written final submissions to the Commission. The written final submissions must be filed with the Commission Registry by May 31, 2023,
CNL welcomes the opportunity to further engage with Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and remains committed to engaging with all interested Indigenous Nations and organizations, stakeholders, and the public.
Background:
The Commission issued a Procedural Direction on Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) application to amend the Nuclear Research and Test Establishment operating Licence for the Chalk River Laboratories site on July 5, 2022.
Following a 2-part public hearing of the licence amendment application from CNL to construct a near-surface disposal facility, the Commission has decided to leave the record open to allow more time for engagement and consultation with Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and for the filing of additional information about these consultative efforts.
Kebaowek First Nation, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, CNL, and CNSC staff will have until May 1, 2023 to file additional information.
The Commission’s procedural direction constitutes no ruling with respect to the environmental assessment or the licence amendment application. The Commission will await further information before making decisions in respect of the duty to consult, the environmental assessment, and the licence amendment application. The procedural direction is posted on the CNSC website.
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