The following information bulletin is in accordance with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Chalk River Laboratories site.
Chalk River, ON –October 16, 2026 – This morning, the Federal Court of Appeal rendered their decision to allow the appeal in Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd. v. Kebaowek First Nation (KFN) et al., file A-112-25, finding that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission did not err in its findings regarding the implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canadian law. CNL is taking the time to review and digest the decision.
The appeal filed by CNL sought to provide clarity on UNDRIP related to its application to the Crown’s Duty to Consult. In this instance, the consultation was related to CNL’s proposed construction of a Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) at Chalk River Laboratories.
Given there are few examples of the application of UNDRIP in Canada, and none in the nuclear sector, it was 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.
CNL will continue its efforts to minimize the environmental impacts of these historic nuclear liabilities until a permanent solution is in place.
Reconciliation is a long path, and CNL remains committed to being an active participant in the journey while advancing and strengthening Canada’s nuclear sector. We also firmly believe in the science that is behind our proposal, which has been informed by detailed scientific research and consultation with subject matter experts, federal and provincial review, and almost a decade of engagement with Indigenous communities, the public and other interested parties.
More information about the project is available on www.cnl.ca/NSDF
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Contact:
Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
1-866-886-2325
[email protected]