By Rosalind Russell – FONOM and its northwestern counterpart are commenting after Ottawa announced its initiating the process toward the potential listing of three major projects as those of national interest.
They include a Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel in Ignace.
Pointing to 11 and 17, the municipal groups say nation-building projects require nation-building infrastructure.
Whether talking about critical minerals, national defence, energy development or the future transportation of used nuclear fuel, they say 11 and 17 remain essential to connecting Northern Ontario and Canada.
The other two major projects the feds are touting involve highway infrastructure in the territories. FONOM says the same conversation around supporting Canada’s economic development, northern growth, sovereignty, and long-term national interests needs to happen with 11 and 17.
Still with the story, a northern environmental group is not happy the Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel is among the projects being pursued by Ottawa for national projects designation.
We the Nuclear Free North, says it ‘vehemently opposes’ the potential designation.
North Bay-based Northwatch project coordinator Brennain Lloyd says if designated, it’s very likely the full Impact Assessment of the Project, which is currently underway, would be discontinued.
She says at best, the remaining vestiges of environmental assessment and licencing would be simply adding details to a done deal.
Lloyd says project approval would be a foregone conclusion.
Ottawa says listing projects would help streamline federal approval and financing processes, while respecting Indigenous rights and safeguarding the environment.
With files from Richard Coffin
Photo – Vista file photo
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