The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has appointed Joe Heil to the position of Vice-President of Indigenous and Municipal Relations and Transportation. Mr. Heil will join our executive team as the NWMO continues moving forward with our mandate for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste.
Mr. Heil, formerly Director of Northwest Indigenous Engagement, is responsible for the NWMO’s Reconciliation program and relationship-building with Indigenous and municipal communities in northwestern Ontario, including the two communities that were selected as hosts for the future site of Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. In addition, Mr. Heil will be responsible for the NWMO’s program on engaging Canadians and Indigenous Peoples in dialogue about long-term planning for the safe transportation of used nuclear fuel.
“As the NWMO continues to advance its mandate, our commitment to fostering meaningful connections with people and communities remains a priority," said Laurie Swami, President and CEO of the NWMO. "The appointment of a Vice-President of Indigenous and Municipal Relations and Transportation will help ensure that collaboration, trust and our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation remain at the heart of our work moving forward.”
Mr. Heil has more than 40 years of experience in the nuclear industry and has led engagement, consultation and negotiations on large projects at the NWMO and Ontario Power Generation. He played a key role in hosting agreement negotiations between the NWMO and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
Going forward, Mr. Heil’s priority will be to continue strengthening relationships with the host communities for Canada’s used fuel repository, building supportive relationships with surrounding Indigenous and municipal communities, and advancing the NWMO’s Reconciliation journey.
“The NWMO is committed to co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being for Indigenous Peoples, and building strong relationships with the people and communities we work with,” said Mr. Heil. “In this new role, I’m looking forward to ensuring that communities’ voices continue to be heard, that questions about the safe transportation of radioactive materials are discussed, and that we continue to live our organization’s commitment to Reconciliation every day as we advance our work.”
Biography
Joe Heil is the Vice-President of Indigenous and Municipal Relations and Transportation at the NWMO, and is a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. Mr. Heil joined the NWMO in 2015 after more than 32 years at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) working in the fields of nuclear operations, radiation protection and Indigenous relations. During his time at OPG, Mr. Heil led settlements with First Nation communities on their historical grievances and was instrumental in OPG’s first equity partnership with Lac Seul First Nation. Additionally, Mr. Heil played a key role in the Lower Mattagami generating station equity partnership between OPG and Moose Cree First Nation, which generated $300 million in local Indigenous procurement and 400 person-years of Indigenous employment.