The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) will soon welcome Lise Morton as the new Vice President of Site Selection.

An accomplished leader with decades of experience in the nuclear sector, Ms. Morton will lead the NWMO’s site selection team as the organization looks to identify a single, preferred site for a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. She recently announced her retirement from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) where she is currently the Vice President of Nuclear Waste Management.

Ms. Morton will lead work to build community partnerships and demonstrate confidence in the project’s safety. She officially assumes the role on March 15.

“I am pleased that Lise is joining the NWMO as Vice President of Site Selection. Lise is an accomplished leader with experience in nuclear operations, maintenance, engineering and leadership roles, including more than 20 years in the area of nuclear waste management,” said Laurie Swami, President and CEO of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.

“As we near site selection in 2024, we are transitioning to a more site-focused approach and aligning our work efforts across the organization to meet the needs of the potential siting communities,” added Ms. Swami.

For her part, Ms. Morton says she is looking forward to working with the NWMO and engaging with the Indigenous and municipal communities involved in its site selection process.

“I’m looking forward to taking on this role at with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. The NWMO’s role in implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term storage of used nuclear fuel is essential. The repository will complete the nuclear fuel cycle and protect people and the environment for generations to come,” Ms. Morton said. “That work cannot and will not go forward without the informed and willing consent of potential host communities. We must work together with Indigenous communities, municipalities and area residents to implement Canada’s plan.”

“Quite simply, we can’t do it without them. I so look forward to engaging with leaders in both siting areas to define what partnership and willingness could look like,” she added. 

The NWMO is also building local capacity in both Ignace and South Bruce by adding Site Directors in the local communities. More information on these roles will be shared in the coming weeks.

These changes will ensure the NWMO has both strong leadership and local capacity to continue in-depth study and engagement with communities as we move to select a site in 2024.

The NWMO is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the implementation of Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term storage of used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository in a manner that protects people and the environment. Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts.