I strongly oppose the GDR used nuclear fuel project proposal for the Ignace area. The proposal to transport spent fuel on roadways is far too risky – the implications for communities and drivers along the route are horrendous. While proponents may promise highway upgrades along the route, currently some of Canada’s most dangerous highways, even a 4-lane highway upgrade would be insufficient, as the roadway traverses through and passes near many communities. It is a highway system that about 1,600 transport trucks traverse daily.  It is rare to drive these roads and not see a transport truck on its side in a ditch. Collisions, road closures and fatalities (significantly higher than Southern Ontario), are frequent, even outside of winter. Heavy‑truck involvement in fatal collisions is disproportionately high in Northwestern Ontario (60% of 2024 fatal highway collisions!!!), underscoring severity and exposure on northern corridors. I urge that the project scope include a comprehensive study on nuclear waste transportation routes and risks.

To uphold environmental justice, I ask the Assessment Agency of Canada to include the rights of impacted communities along the proposed route to be clearly and objectively informed and have adequate opportunities to express feedback. I ask that the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conduct a federal impact assessment for the nuclear waste project. I urge the Agency to protect Indigenous rights, including free, prior and informed consent obligations, internationally recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and required under Canadian law. 

In my opinion, this project is a bad idea for Canadians.