NIMBYism: Site Selection for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel

Join us for an engaging discussion on how Canada’s approach to managing used nuclear fuel is ensuring long-term environmental, economic, and energy security benefits for the country.  

In November 2024, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) announced it has selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) and the Township of Ignace as the host communities for the future site for Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. Experts from the nuclear industry, academia, and policy experts will explore Canada’s Adaptive Phased Management (APM) strategy, challenges with engaging with the public, and how we can get major projects built in Canada.

 

This event is ideal for industry professionals, policymakers, environmental advocates, and anyone interested in the future of Canada’s energy landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how responsible nuclear fuel management supports our country’s goals to bolster energy security and advance a cleaner, more resilient Canada.

 

 

Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, Managing Editor of the Arctic Yearbook, Research Advisor to the Indigenous Resource Network, and Global Fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington D.C.

 

Allison Macfarlane is Professor and Director, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, Faculty of Arts, the University of British Columbia.  Dr. Macfarlane has held both academic and government positions in the field of energy and environmental policy, especially nuclear policy.  The first geologist (and the third woman) to chair the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 2012-2014, Dr. Macfarlane holds a doctorate in earth science from MIT and a bachelor's of science from the University of Rochester. From 2010 to 2012 Dr. Macfarlane served on the White House Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future. Dr. Macfarlane’s research has focused on technical, social, and policy aspects of nuclear energy production and nuclear waste management and disposal as well as regulation, nuclear nonproliferation, and energy policy.    

 

Laurie Swami is the President and CEO of the NWMO. She was appointed to the role in 2016 and is responsible for implementing Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel.

Prior to joining the NWMO, Ms. Swami spent 30 years at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), primarily in nuclear operations. She served as Senior Vice-President of Decommissioning and Nuclear Waste Management, overseeing the operation of nuclear waste management facilities and planning for the decommissioning of a nuclear generating facility.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Chemistry from Queen's University and a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business. She is an ardent supporter of and advocate for the advancement of women to leadership positions. In recognition of this contribution, she has received multiple Women in Nuclear Canada Leadership Awards.