The Coalition Against Nuclear Dumps on the Ottawa River and Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area have announced the results of a federal election candidate survey on nuclear waste policy and management by the federal government. Candidates were contacted in 14 ridings in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and West Québec, including here in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. The survey says the NDP, Green Party and People’s Party of Canada candidates who replied were virtually unanimous in opposing the construction of a permanent storage facility for radioactive waste at Chalk River. We here at myFM News asked the federal candidates running in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke for their views on the proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF). Opinions range from support to objection, with a middle ground of support with some concerns.
Independent candidate Dheerendra Kumar is opposed, but it’s because he believes SNC Lavalin will be involved in construction of the proposed NSDF.
NDP nominee Eileen Jones Whyte would like to see an added level of oversight added to the process.
She says there should be a Federal Cabinet Minister who would in effect, be the nation’s nuclear auditor.
Independent Jonathan Davis agrees with the principle of handling locally-produced waste at home, but believes the NSDF shouldn’t be discussed until government is no longer influenced by corporations.
Liberal Ruben Marini says his personal opinion should be no factor in the regulatory process.
Independent Dan Criger expresses his confidence in the process.
Incumbent Cheryl Gallant gives her nod to the regulators and believes they’ll put public safety first.
Independent Stefan Klietsch is firmly opposed to the NSDF project because he says it could have consequences for the water supply.
People’s Party candidate David Ainsworth says local storage is a matter of logic.
Green candidate Ian Pineau says dealing with waste locally is generally a good idea, except in this case.
Veterans Coalition Party candidate Robert Cherrin says we’ve got to do something with the nuclear waste.
Meggan Vickerd, Director of the NSDF Project at Chalk River says public input has played a significant role in making plans for the facility more robust.
Vickerd anticipates an Environmental Impact statement on the initiative could be ready by the Spring or Summer of 2020.
That will be followed by a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Hearing, with further opportunity for public input.