Integrity

I am a lifelong resident of Ignace, Ontario, and I, along with other community members, participated, learned, questioned, was critical and ultimately voted yes to the Deep Geological Repository (DGR).  It is clear and obvious why we voted yes.  Community members invested years learning about the science, the technology, and the safeguards associated with the project. Safety was clearly communicated as a non-negotiable condition of community support and we voted yes because we believe in the safety measures.

Ignace voted yes because the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) consistently engaged residents in dialogue about their hopes, priorities, and long-term vision for Ignace. Over many years, residents provided input, asked questions, and were assured that their voices mattered. It was always clearly communicated that Ignace was voting yes not only because the project would be safe, but because it would make Ignace prosper.

Long-term economic development, workforce opportunities, and community sustainability were central to the decision. These commitments were foundational to building trust and securing community consent.

Since the agreement was signed, however, there has been a noticeable shift. When residents ask about NWMO’s role in economic development, they are directed to “refer to the agreement.” This approach does not reflect the spirit of partnership that was promised, nor does it align with the years of engagement that emphasized shared responsibility for Ignace’s long-term success.

NWMO must remain a true and active partner in the community of Ignace. Community trust cannot be maintained if conversations and commitments that influenced the yes vote are disregarded. A project of this scale and duration requires an ongoing, responsive partnership that continues to support economic growth and community well-being over the long term.

Request to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada:  As part of its decision-making and conditions-setting process, IAAC should require clear, enforceable commitments related to economic development and employment for Ignace; require ongoing accountability mechanisms to ensure NWMO continues to act in good faith as a community partner and require monitoring and reporting requirements that reflect not only technical safety, but community benefit and sustainability.

The success of this project depends not only on technical excellence, but on maintaining the trust of the host community. That trust was earned through promises of safety and prosperity, and it must be honoured throughout the life of the project.