Question Period Note: Radioactive Waste - Labrador

On April 1, 2021, CBC.ca published a news article noting former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has been in active discussions to create a project to store nuclear waste in a deep geological repository in Labrador. These discussions are taking place between himself and other figures as private citizens.

• Protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is our government’s top priority when it comes to nuclear energy.
• This includes ensuring that all radioactive waste in Canada is managed safely today and for generations to come.
• Canada has not contemplated, nor have we been consulted on any plans or entered into agreements with Japan or any country to take their radioactive waste for disposal at a deep geological repository in Labrador.
• Any proposed Deep Geological Repository project would need to undertake a rigorous impact assessment that is based on science, evidence and Indigenous knowledge.
If pressed on Canada’s management of radioactive waste:

• All radioactive waste in Canada is currently being safely managed according to international standards at facilities that are licensed and monitored by our world-class regulator - the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
• We must continue to modernize policies to promote long-term management solutions for Canada’s radioactive waste.
• We want to build on our strong radioactive waste policy and ensure that it is based on the best available science, continues to meet international practices, and reflects the values and principles of Canadians.
• That is why we have launched a public engagement process to develop a modernized policy for Radioactive Waste Management.
• This commitment addresses international recommendations and national concerns, ensuring that Canadians can have confidence in the long-term solutions for all of Canada’s nuclear waste.
• Between now and the fall of 2021 we will be reviewing our policy, including engaging with stakeholders and talking to Canadians to ensure that Canada has a strong policy framework and a clear plan in place for the safe, long-term management of all of our nuclear waste, including any future waste from SMRs.
• Protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is our top priority. Our government is committed to ensuring that Canada has a robust framework in place to ensure the safety of nuclear energy, radiation, and radioactive waste.

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