Energy

The energy portion of the Environment Office deals with all consultation and projects (both currently operating and proposed) relating to Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and renewable energy.

NWMO

After many years of hard work, we finally have a commitment from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) that they will not select a site for Canada’s used fuel in our Territory without our consent

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Bruce Power

Bruce Nuclear Generating Station operated by Bruce Power does not adversely impact SON’s Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, the Land and Waters of the SON Territory, and that employment and training opportunities are made available for SON band members.

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OPG

SON Leadership and the Environment Office has re-engaged with OPG, committed to a resolution for Legacy Issues. “Legacy issues” covers the historical and ongoing impacts of the nuclear industry on the SON Territory, including the lands, waters, air, animals, and on the SON People.

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Key players

  • SON Communities (Nawash and Saugeen): have the final say in how they want nuclear waste and legacy issues to be resolved.
  • SON Joint Council: receives direction from the communities and works to ensure our process is supported both politically and financially.
  • SON Advisory Team: reports to and receives direction from Joint Council. They engage with the Crown, OPG, NWMO and other external parties.
  • Environment Office: provides coordination and technical support to the Joint Chiefs and Councils, the Advisory Team, Working Groups and the SON Communities.
  • Bruce Nuclear Generating Station: the largest nuclear facility in the world. Bruce Power’s plans to refurbish their eight reactors; this would keep the facility operational into the 2060s.
  • Ontario Power Generation: responsible for finding a safe solution for the low- and intermediate-level waste stored at the Bruce site. OPG has proposed a Deep Geologic Repository for low- and intermediate-level waste at the Bruce site and has committed that the project will not go ahead without SON consent.
  • Nuclear Waste Management Organization: responsible for the long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel (high-level waste). They are currently in the process of siting a location for a used fuel storage site. One municipality in Anishnaabekiing remains in the siting process: South Bruce.
  • The Crown: has the duty to consult with SON. The Crown is represented on this issue, for the most part, by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

Role of the energy staff

  • Provide support and coordination to the Joint Chiefs and Councils and Advisory Team on the SON’s nuclear power, waste and legacy issues.
  • Organize and assist with research, planning, coordination and support for the Joint Chiefs and Councils, Committees and Working Groups throughout the community process.
  • Act as a liaison with the proponents, governments and other external parties.
  • Organize, manage and support a community-driven process and communications plan so information related to the SON’s nuclear power, waste and legacy issues are available and accessible to SON members.
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