Canada’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Philip Jennings, recently attended an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference, where his comments acknowledged the ongoing work of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). 

At the IAEA’s International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Mr. Jennings – Canada’s Head of Delegation – delivered his statement providing a perspective on nuclear energy in Canada, and federal commitments to international cooperation in nuclear science, technology, safety, security and nuclear non-proliferation.

Mr. Jennings noted Canada's commitment to safely managing the back-end of the fuel cycle and the role of the NWMO in advancing this national infrastructure project.

"At the back end of the fuel cycle, Canadian companies are addressing concerns related to the safe, long-term management of nuclear fuel waste. Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization – an organization established by Canadian nuclear electricity producers – is advancing an open, transparent, and collaborative siting process," said Mr. Jennings. “This process is unparalleled in our country in its innovative and broad engagement of the public, stakeholders, and Indigenous groups. We point to it as a best practice for identifying a willing host community for a radioactive waste repository." 

The conference took place from October 30 to November 1. (Read: full statement.) 

The NWMO is working with municipalities and Indigenous communities to assess potential siting areas for a deep geological repository and explore their interest in hosting this initiative.