Youth Engagement

Establishment of the NWMO Youth Roundtable

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) established the Youth Roundtable in 2009 to provide advice on how the NWMO might better reach young audiences as part of its engagement program. Specifically, the NWMO sought recommendations from participants regarding how the NWMO can:

• Raise awareness of the issue of used nuclear fuel and the mandate of the NWMO with youth audiences;

• Build interest and understanding amongst youth regarding Canada’s approach for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel, known as Adaptive Phased Management (APM);

• Facilitate participation of youth in the dialogues and decision-making processes associated with the implementation of Adaptive Phased Management (APM).

The Youth Roundtable is comprised of 16 participants aged 18-25 years and who represent:

• the 4 nuclear provinces (3 participants from New Brunswick, 7 from Ontario, 3 from Saskatchewan, and 3 from Québec);

• a balance of male and female representatives;

• a culturally diverse group;

• an urban/rural mix;

• a range of life-stages (i.e. in high school, in university, employed, have a young family); and

• a broad range of personal and social interests, from scientific and technical disciplines to ethics, public policy, social sciences and community involvement.

The Youth Roundtable has concluded its formal mandate and has presented its recommendations to the NWMO. The Roundtable’s work in 2009 involved three face-to-face meetings, as well as several online discussions, conference calls and interviews with their peer groups. Its recommendations address:

• Key messages

• Communications channels

• Engaging youth in the community and in educational institutions.

Four Youth Roundtable members attended the NWMO Advisory Council on May 27, 2009 to present the recommendations and a video which features all members of the Roundtable. The work of the Youth Roundtable and its recommendations were well received by the Advisory Council.

The NWMO has reviewed the Youth Roundtable recommendations and developed an implementation plan that reflects the priorities of the NWMO and the input received from the Youth Roundtable.

On September 10–12, 2010, the NWMO reconvened the Youth Roundtable for a final meeting to present its members with an overview of efforts by the NWMO to date to address the Roundtable’s recommendations. The Youth Roundtable also had the opportunity to comment on the actions undertaken by the NWMO and provided additional considerations. You can see an overview presentation of key initiatives undertaken by the NWMO thus far and review the Roundtable’s comments for moving forward.

The NWMO is also considering opportunities for further input from Youth Roundtable members in the design, review and implementation of future engagement initiatives.