Selecting a site

The NWMO helps Northwestern Health Unit respond to COVID-19

Photograph of Marilyn Herbacz

“It is during these times that we truly see community and partners pull together to achieve a common goal and wellness and safety for all people,” said Northwestern Health Unit Chief Executive Officer, Marilyn Herbacz.

May 20, 2020

Kenora, Ont.

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Photograph of Marilyn Herbacz

“It is during these times that we truly see community and partners pull together to achieve a common goal and wellness and safety for all people,” said Northwestern Health Unit Chief Executive Officer, Marilyn Herbacz.

The global COVID-19 pandemic is increasing pressure on social and essential services. In response, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is making a one-time contribution of $50,000 to the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) to reach those most in need at this difficult time. 

The NWHU will use the investment to respond to community needs such as but not limited to, emergency food access and care packages for people who are in isolation without resources or family support, and hand sanitizer and disinfecting supplies for organizations in the area who need assistance.

“We want to thank everyone who is working to address this global challenge, in particular public health leaders like the Northwestern Health Unit, who are taking decisive action to protect the health of our communities,” said, Dr. Ben Belfadhel, Vice-President of Site Selection at the NWMO. “Investing in the health and well-being of the communities where we are active is a priority for the NWMO and we’re proud to do our part to help flatten the curve.”

NWHU Chief Executive Officer, Marilyn Herbacz, welcomed the donation from the NWMO.“On behalf of the NWHU, I am extremely pleased to accept this kind and generous donation. As we know these are unprecedented times and there is a growing demand within our communities for supports. It is during these times that we truly see community and partners pull together to achieve a common goal and wellness and safety for all people. The NWHU will ensure this substantial donation is used in the way that will reduce pressure and support our population through these times.” 
 
NWHU delivers its programs and services, including health promotion, preventing and managing outbreaks and emergency preparedness, to the Kenora and Rainy River Districts. The Township of Ignace, served by NWHU, is currently engaged with the NWMO as a potential host for a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. 

The NWMO has responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic by supporting municipal and Indigenous communities involved in the site selection process. Recently, the NWMO also supported the Kenora District Municipal Association to help the organization establish reliable and secure communications between communities in the region in these difficult times.
About the NWMO

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Founded in 2002, the NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders that are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where the municipality, First Nation and Métis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it. The NWMO plans to select a site in 2024, and two areas remain in our site selection process: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario.

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