MRC Pontiac officials reiterate their opposition to Chalk River disposal site

MRC Pontiac officials reiterate their opposition to Chalk River disposal site

Yesterday, MRC Pontiac council reiterated their opposition to the recent licensing decision authorizing the installation of a “near surface disposal facility” at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Chalk River site. The statement comes the same day that citizens groups, opposition politicians and First Nations took to parliament hill calling for the federal government to intervene and halt the project, which they say is a threat to the environment.

“At a meeting of the Council of Mayors of the MRC Pontiac held today, elected officials reiterated their opposition to CNL’s recent decision to authorize the near-surface nuclear waste management facility at Chalk River, and expressed their concerns in this regard. Among other things, the Council of Mayors reiterates the importance of finding another site as far away as possible from the Ottawa River, as requested in its resolution adopted in December 2021, and that this resolution be taken into account by the government,” wrote communications advisor Francis Beausoleil, on behalf of the MRC’s elected officials. “The [council] also believes that [CNL]’s recent decision contravenes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The [council] reiterates its support for the First Nations Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg et Kebaowek Nation.”

It should be noted that CNL did not authorize the NSDF, as the licensing decision was made by the country’s nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, following a lengthy series of hearings and public consultations. CNL is the private company that operates the facility, as well as others throughout the country.

The statement also notes that a resolution aimed at formalizing this position is planned during the monthly public meeting of the council of mayors which will take place next Wednesday, February 21.

According to information obtained by CHIP 101.9, municipal officials even indicated that they did not wish to attend the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce Gala, since CNL is one of the event’s sponsors.