The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has now published our 2021 annual report, Guided by science. Grounded in knowledge. Committed to partnership. The report highlights the NWMO’s activities throughout the year as we implement Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The report also provides an audited update on the organization’s finances. In accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act, the report was submitted to Canada’s Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson on March 28, 2022.
“In 2021, the NWMO continued to adapt to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately celebrated a year marked by progress and success,” said NWMO President and CEO Laurie Swami. “Our progress to date will serve as a foundation. Great teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be the key to future success.”
Key highlights from the annual report include how the organization has continued to travel a path together with Indigenous peoples on the journey towards Reconciliation, including rolling out additional staff training and educational opportunities, as well as interweaving insights from Indigenous Knowledge throughout the NWMO’s work.
In 2021, vaccinations and reopening of communities allowed us to meet face-to-face again – critically important to our engagement process, where safe, in-person meetings help us build a better understanding of each other. Re-establishing these connections was crucial to keeping us on the path to partnership.
The NWMO also deepened our knowledge of the environment in the siting areas through borehole drilling work. Testing and analysis of core samples from deep underground is now well underway, a significant step that will enhance our understanding of whether the geology at the potential project sites can meet robust regulatory requirements.
The report also shows how the NWMO’s Engineering team took big strides forward, with significant work done to prepare the organization for full-scale emplacement trials in 2022 that will simulate conditions in the deep geological repository, including prototyping and testing of our innovative engineered-barrier system.
In addition to the annual report, the NWMO has also released our five-year implementation plan – Implementing Adaptive Phased Management 2022 to 2026 – a living document that outlines our activities for the next five years. Learn more about that report and fill out the online survey that accompanies it as your feedback is essential to the NWMO’s work.
UPDATE: On June 23, 2022, Canada's Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson released a statement regarding our 2021 Annual Report.