Law Reform: Nuclear Waste Management in Canada
Canada has a vast legacy of nuclear waste. It is categorized as either “low and intermediate level” or “high level” waste. Much of this waste will stay radioactive and toxic to humans and the environment for hundreds of thousands of years. High level waste will not decay to background levels, e.g., similar to natural uranium, for a million years.
Canada lacks a comprehensive nuclear waste framework and guidelines for decommissioning of nuclear facilities. (See also Casework: Nuclear Waste and Reactor Decommissioning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan)
Canada Needs a National Radioactive Waste Policy
As a founding member of Nuclear Waste Watch, CELA advocates for a national radioactive waste policy framework that includes rules and policies that will protect human health and the environment and make the nuclear industry accountable and responsible. This policy framework must be based upon meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples and strong public engagement.
Media Releases, Blogs, Position Statements
Great Lakes Region Nuclear Hot Spots Updated Map First Created in 1990
February 28, 2016
Nuclear Waste Watch Position Statement – November 2012
November 20, 2012
Presentations, Correspondence, Legal Submissions
Review of Radioactive Waste Policy Framework
September 28, 2020
Sham Regulation of Radioactive Waste in Canada
June 16, 2020
Canada Needs a National Radioactive Waste Policy
May 15, 2020
Nurdles and Nuclear Waste – Lake Superior and Environmental Contaminants
February 27, 2020
Residual Concerns in Siting a Nuclear Fuel Waste Repository
August 15, 2019
Letter to Michael Ferguson re: Nuclear Waste
August 21, 2018
Nuclear Waste – A Long Lived Legacy
June 22, 2005