Canada's approach to the management of used nuclear fuel: the role of the Advisory Council to the Nuclear Waste Management Organisation

Full text: In 2002, the Canadian Parliament passed into law the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act that established the Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO). The NWMO was given three years to study the issues surrounding the long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel and to recommend to government a permanent solution. In doing so, it recognised early that the issues were as much social as technical and embarked on an extensive Canada-wide campaign of public engagement. It sponsored debates among interested parties, held public information and dialogue sessions, maintained an active Web site and sought input from expert individuals and groups. A strong focus was put upon engaging Aboriginal groups. At about the same time as the NWMO was established, the Advisory Council (AC) was formed. The AC is composed of nine people from a variety of backgrounds, including social and political sciences, environmental law, aboriginal affairs, science and engineering, and with diverging opinions on energy utilisation. The AC followed the public engagement activities closely and, as it received regular briefings and progress reports from the NWMO, offered advice and criticism as appropriate. Throughout, the AC was diligent in maintaining its independence and ensuring that its own activities were fully transparent. Part of this diligence entailed the compilation of a Tracking Matrix of its activities, which has been made available for public scrutiny. In 2005 November, the Final Report of the NWMO was submitted to the Canadian Government, recommending an Adaptive Phased Management approach to deep geological disposal. At the same time, the AC submitted its Final Report. This paper summarises the activities of the AC and describes how such a diverse group of individuals came to a consensus on generally supporting the NWMO's recommendation yet, at the same time, offering several caveats, particularly with regard to energy policy in Canada