Today, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) reinforces its commitment to only manage Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

With this announcement, the NWMO has made it clear that we will not manage used nuclear fuel imported from other countries, as that is not consistent with our mandate or the commitment we made to Canadians.

“Our aim with this announcement is to demonstrate how seriously we take our commitments to the siting areas and, more broadly, to Canadians and Indigenous peoples,” said Laurie Swami, President and CEO of the NWMO. “When Canada’s plan was first developed, we spoke to thousands of people across the country. One thing we kept hearing is that we should only manage Canada’s used nuclear fuel. We will not waiver on this.” 

The NWMO is a not-for-profit organization implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. In 2024, the NWMO will select a site for a Canada’s deep geological repository that will safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel. Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where with municipality, Indigenous and Metis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it.

Today’s announcement affirms the NWMO’s commitment to ensure that the spent nuclear fuel generated within our borders is safely managed. 

Used nuclear fuel commitment

The NWMO is bound by our mandate as legislated by the Government of Canada in the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act to implement the plan for Canada’s used nuclear fuel waste. Our mandate does not allow the NWMO to become responsible for nuclear waste generated by other countries.  

The NWMO will not import, manage or store used nuclear fuel from other countries.  

The NWMO is committed to the long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel and will continue to work with communities as we move toward site selection in 2024.