First Nations Communities Matter

I stand behind First Nations Communities and the viewpoint of Erica Tropea (Masters in Environmental Science) :

"Given that the public has been given the minimum amount of time to comment under the Impact Assessment Act, which is 30-days, the comments here should be considered preliminary and more time should be given to the public and First Nations to comment on such an important and impactful topic. 

Eagle Lake First Nation traditional territory overlaps with the project area, and part of that is shared with Wabigoon Lake First Nation. Yet, Eagle Lake First Nation has been systematically left out of the consultation process and has made it publicly known that as a result, they are now being forced to participate in the assessment in order to protect their lands. It is essential that an impact assessment does not take place until Eagle Lake First Nation is recognized as a host community. Grassy Narrows First Nation has also been excluded from the consultation process and their concerns and objections to the selected site have been ignored. Given the history of mercury contamination in the English-Wabigoon River system which has resulted in devastating life-long and impacts lasting generations in Grassy Narrows, and the claims from NWMO of reconciliation, the NWMO should consider the concerns of Grassy Narrows. This impact assessment should not go forward until these matters are resolved. In addition to this, many other First Nations in Ontario have expressed concerns and objection to the transportation route and the DGR location, yet this has not been taken seriously by the NWMO, as seen by the attempt to go forward with the IA. 

I am requesting that, in line with section 22 of the Impact Assessment Act, the transportation of nuclear waste be INCLUDED in the scope of the project. In addition, alternatives or alternative means of carrying out the project should be investigated by an independent third party panel. This also means that all municipalities and First Nation communities are included in consultation and their voices heard.

The transportation of the nuclear waste is an integral, fundamentally related component of the project that should not be excluded, as there is no independent utility to transporting waste on public highways. Additionally, the definition of "designated project" under the Impact Assessment Act includes any physical activity that is incidental to the project. There has never been off-site transportation of used nuclear fuel waste in Canada, thus this is an unprecedented endeavor and requires rigorous scrutiny, including placing this into the context of Northwestern Ontario and the harsh conditions faced there."