There was excitement in the room as Laurie Swami, President and CEO of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), addressed the Thunder Bay business community about the hundreds of new jobs and economic opportunities that will be coming to the region as we move forward with Canada’s plan to build a deep geological repository to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel for the long term.
Swami gave the keynote address, “Securing Energy’s Legacy, Strengthening Northern Economies,” at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Leaders Luncheon held on Sept. 18.
“The NWMO’s plans are no longer just a concept,” Swami said in her address. “We are proud to be part of the northern business community, working alongside businesses from Ignace to Thunder Bay and everywhere in between. We’re building a generational project that will create new and sustainable economic activity in the region, but we can’t do it without you.”
The Leaders Luncheon was attended by dozens of northwestern Ontario business leaders, representatives from regional municipalities and stakeholders from multiple sectors. The annual event creates an opportunity for the business community to learn about matters of current interest and to connect with business leaders from across the country.
Swami spoke about why building a deep geological repository is the responsible choice for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel and how northwestern Ontario will benefit from the multibillion-dollar project.
There are currently more than a dozen NWMO employees living and working in the northwest. In the coming years, Canada’s plan will bring 400 to 600 new jobs to the region. The project is expected to last more than 150 years and bring significant economic development, workforce advancement and tourism to northwestern Ontario. There will also be many opportunities for regional businesses to work with the NWMO over the coming years.
The northwest is ready to do business with the NWMO and take advantage of the growth opportunities that are coming. “In April, we put out a call for businesses in the region to register with us and then have access to any upcoming requests for proposals we will issue,” Swami said. “We were delighted that over 100 businesses registered with us, and we have been impressed by the wide range of vendors that can support our important work over the next century.”
The keynote address also included an overview of next steps for the repository project, including entering the regulatory decision-making process, construction of the repository and associated facilities, plans for transporting used nuclear fuel packages and the forthcoming Centre of Expertise, which is being designed by vendors local to the northwest.
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson stated, “The Chamber is pleased to provide this opportunity for local businesses to learn more about the NWMO’s project and the opportunities that it will provide for their businesses and our region.”