NWMO leaders will share their insights and perspectives on critically important topics for the future of the nuclear industry at the annual Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) conference. From September 15 to 17, the virtual CNA2021 event will bring together Canadian nuclear industry executives, public policy experts, engineers, regulators, elected officials, and international delegates.
On the opening day of the conference, NWMO’s Vice President of Indigenous Relations and Strategic Programs, Bob Watts, will speak as part of a panel discussion on Indigenous inclusion that will explore ways of integrating Indigenous Knowledge into clean energy projects, as well as best practices for constructive engagement with Indigenous communities.
The following day, Lisa Frizzell, Vice President of Communications at the NWMO, will be featured in a binational panel examining the unique approaches pursued by Canada and Finland for the safe, long-term storage of used nuclear fuel in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.
That same morning, NWMO’s Vice President of Construction and Projects, Derek Wilson, will participate in a panel to discuss how proposed Small Modular Reactor fuel types can be incorporated into our existing systems and policies and any changes that are required to accommodate these fuels.
“For the NWMO, Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a deeply held organizational value that extends to everything we do – from community engagement to project research and design – and we are proud to be among the first organizations to implement an Indigenous Knowledge policy,” said Mr. Watts. “I look forward to joining other Indigenous voices at CNA2021 to discuss the ways that the industry and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers can work together to not only support the success of clean energy projects but also help build a better and more inclusive future in the process.”
“As governments here at home and around the world continue to invest in nuclear technology as part of their strategies to combat climate change and transition to low-carbon economies, we have a global responsibility to develop safe and effective long-term storage solutions for the used nuclear fuel of today and tomorrow,” said Ms. Frizzell. “The NWMO regularly collaborates with our international counterparts to share information, conduct joint research and learn from shared experiences to establish and enhance international best practices. I look forward to discussing the distinct Canadian and Finnish approaches at CNA2021.”
“Our mandate is to safely manage all of Canada’s used nuclear for the long term, so anticipating fuel cycle changes and adapting to new and emerging technologies are fundamental to the NWMO’s approach,” said Mr. Wilson. “Recognizing that SMRs may result in different types of used fuel, we encourage organizations developing concepts to work with us early on, so that we can build shared understanding and ensure the highest standards for safety and environmental protection.”
Bob Watts will be joined on the panel, Indigenous Inclusion and Interweaving Worldviews in Our Work, by representatives from Bruce Power and Hatch on September 15 at 10:35 a.m. (EDT).
Lisa Frizzell will be joined on the panel, Canada and Finland: Examining Different Approaches for Managing Waste, by representatives from Finland’s Posiva Solutions and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on September 16 at 10:25 a.m. (EDT).
Derek Wilson will be joined on the panel, SMR Track: The Fuel Cycle, by representatives from the CANDU Owners Group and AECL on September 16 at 10:25 a.m. (EDT).
More information about CNA2021 can be found at cna.ca.
