The Nuclear Waste Management Organization chooses vendors to design and plan Canada's deep geological repository Français
The NWMO, as the owner of the project, will be working with WSP Canada Inc., Peter Kiewit Sons ULC (Kiewit), Hatch Ltd., Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada Ltd. and Kinectrics Inc.
The chosen companies will work on facility infrastructure design and engineering, mine design, mine construction planning, nuclear management advising and nuclear systems and facilities design.
Construction will only begin once the deep geological repository has successfully completed the federal government's multi-year regulatory process and the Indigenous-led Regulatory Assessment and Approval Process, a sovereign regulatory process that will be developed and implemented by Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
The NWMO is using an Integrated Project Delivery model to design and build the deep geological repository — an innovative approach for an innovative project.
The companies and the NWMO will work as one team, co-located to move the project forward. This approach encourages trust and open communication among all parties, putting what is best for the project first by enabling collaboration between the NWMO and the selected companies. All companies involved, including the NWMO, will work hand-in-hand throughout the entirety of the process.
This integrated and collaborative contracting approach is ideal for such a unique, long-term, first-of-its-kind mega-project that relies on input from our host communities, the regulator and other stakeholders.
The selected vendors will have the following responsibilities:
Design/engineering
WSP will be responsible for all architectural design and engineering for the project, excluding the engineering and design related to mine and waste rock pile design, shafts, headframes and hoisting design and the Used Fuel Packaging Plant.
Constructor
Kiewit will be responsible for all above-ground construction design required to build the deep geological repository.
Mine design
Hatch will be responsible for all aspects of the project related to underground mine and waste rock management, as well as shaft, headframe and hoisting systems related to the design and construction of the deep geological repository.
Mine construction
Thyssen Mining will be responsible for the underground mine construction design of the service, test and demonstration area, as well as the sinking of three shafts into the repository.
Nuclear management advisor
Kinectrics will be responsible for in-depth nuclear operations management expertise and advice to inform the development and planning of the project, design, oversight and assurance framework and quality assurance programs.
Nuclear systems and facilities
Hatch will be responsible for all aspects of the project related to nuclear facilities and the Used Fuel Packaging Plant.
Quotes
"The NWMO is proud to engage with five experienced and respected companies to design and plan Canada's deep geological repository, and we're excited to work with them to move toward our goal of containing and isolating Canada's used nuclear fuel. While this is a unique project in Canada, the core needs are well established, and the companies chosen have deep experience in mining, construction design and the handling of nuclear materials."
— Laurie Swami, President and CEO, Nuclear Waste Management Organization
"Hatch has been working collaboratively with the NWMO on the deep geological repository since 2015, supporting the early design and planning for the surface facilities, shafts, underground infrastructure and the Used Fuel Packaging Plant. We are thrilled to be a part of this important project for Canada and are proud to be able to bring our experience in Integrated Project Delivery together with our mining and nuclear expertise to deliver this project successfully with the NWMO and the selected parties."
— John Bianchini, CEO, Hatch
"Kiewit is proud to be joining industry leaders for this first-of-its-kind project in the country. We are excited to bring our expertise to this project's collaborative model, which will benefit Canada and local communities for generations to come."
— Patrick Lamarre, President, Kiewit Canada Group
"Kinectrics is pleased to join the project team that will design and build the deep geological repository for the long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel. The repository ensures the protection of the environment for future generations. In our role as the nuclear management advisor for this project, we will leverage our broad experience in nuclear operations, engineering, facility licensing and management to collaborate with the project team and successfully deliver this project, continuing to support the nuclear industry's capacity to provide clean, safe, as well as reliable electricity for Canadians."
— David Harris, President and CEO, Kinectrics
"Thyssen Mining is honored to be chosen as the preferred proponent in the mining constructor category for the NWMO's deep geological repository, which underscores the trust and confidence placed in our team and organization. With more than 60 years of history working in the North American underground mining and civil sectors, we're proud of our track record of partnering with Indigenous communities across our country to responsibly develop sustainable projects on their lands. We will work collaboratively with our new partners on the deep geological repository to bring innovation and best-in-class expertise to the project — while always respecting the people affected and communities in which we are working. Thyssen Mining is proud to be part of the team that will deliver this once-in-a-lifetime project that Canadians can all be proud of."
— Colin Wilson, CEO, Thyssen Mining
"The Deep Geologic Repository represents an important step forward in Canada's clean energy future, creating a safe solution for the storage of used nuclear fuel. Using the latest technology, combined with WSP's depth of expertise, we look forward to delivering this invaluable project for Canadians »
— Marie-Claude Dumas, President, WSP in Canada
Quick facts
On Nov. 28, 2024, the NWMO, following community willingness decisions, chose Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace to move forward in the process as host communities for Canada's deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.
Canadians and Indigenous Peoples have relied on clean nuclear energy to power their homes, businesses and cities for over 60 years.
A necessary byproduct of generating nuclear energy is used nuclear fuel. While Canada's used nuclear fuel is safely managed in interim storage at reactor and laboratory sites, this approach is not appropriate over the long term.
The deep geological repository design uses a series of engineered and natural barriers that work together to contain and isolate used nuclear fuel between 650 and 800 meters underground.
After extensive technical study and community engagement, the NWMO selected a site that is safe and where the host communities have demonstrated that they understand the project and support moving forward in the process.
This process was guided by the NWMO's commitment to Reconciliation, based on co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being for Indigenous Peoples.
The deep geological repository will be subject to a thorough regulatory review process to ensure it does not have adverse effects on either humans or the environment. This rigorous process will ensure the NWMO's understanding of the safety of the repository is independently confirmed by both the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Government of Canada's impact assessment process.
About the NWMO
Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada's intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.
The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Observer
3 hours ago
- National Observer
Why National Defence's Indigenous procurement goal remains out of reach
The Department of National Defence is far behind its Indigenous procurement target — a result industry insiders say has little to do with a lack of Indigenous suppliers and more with systemic barriers ingrained within the procurement system itself. The department manages billions of dollars in contracts, but reported Indigenous procurement at just 2.5 per cent for the 2023-24 fiscal year, falling far short of the government's five per cent target due to complex certification requirements, lengthy security clearances and demanding bid processes, Indigenous leaders and procurement experts said. 'Indigenous businesses are ready, willing, and able to supply defence projects — which are often located on or near their territories,' said Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) in a press release. 'But the bidding process is still complex and unfamiliar, and those essential relationships with the sector still need to be built.' Canada's defence budget is at its highest since World War II, with over $9 billion in new spending planned for 2025-26 — putting total defence spending at over $62 billion and meeting NATO's 2 per cent of GDP target. This increase is intended to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces, boost high-tech Arctic surveillance, strengthen international alliances and fuel defence industry growth. But Mark Dokis, senior advisor at the NACCA and chair of the First Nations Procurement Authority, said these roadblocks not only drag out economic reconciliation but also weaken the reliability of Canada's supply chain when it matters most. He pointed out that National Defence sought an exemption from ammunition procurement targets, believing no local suppliers existed. But after some research, a business was identified that could supply the needed ammunition. 'It just comes down to doing basic homework and having better connections with the Indigenous communities and organizations that can advise departments about where capacity or skills exist,' Dokis said. Indigenous businesses are "ready, willing, and able to supply defence projects," but the complexity and unfamiliarity of the bidding process makes it inaccessible to many, an expert says. Philip Ducharme, vice-president of procurement and entrepreneurship at the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business said the complexity of federal procurement is a major barrier. Requests for proposals (RFPs) demand extensive documentation regardless of contract size. 'Responding to an RFP that's worth $50,000 takes as much work as responding to a $5 million contract, almost,' he said. Small Indigenous firms often lack the staff and resources to meet these requirements. Security clearance delays add to these challenges with some companies waiting months just to become eligible to bid on certain government contracts, he said. In an email to Canada's National Observer, a National Defence spokesperson stated it is trying several strategies to improve Indigenous participation: unbundling large contracts to allow smaller bids, encouraging partnerships with established defence contractors and offering training programs. 'We remain committed to engaging with Indigenous businesses,' the spokesperson said. Directory falls short Ducharme said part of the problem lies in the government's reliance on the Indigenous Business Directory. 'When they say that they can't find Indigenous businesses, it's because they're looking at that directory, and that's only a minute number of the Indigenous businesses in Canada,' Ducharme said. To be counted, companies must register in the directory — a process some find questionable, leading many Indigenous businesses to remain unlisted. Dokis said many Indigenous businesses avoid registration because the directory is managed by Indigenous Services Canada, a department often viewed as paternalistic. 'Indigenous businesses and communities are not great friends of Indigenous Services Canada,' Dokis said. He said that the directory initially relied largely on self-identification, allowing some companies to falsely claim Indigenous status, often through joint ventures that offer only nominal Indigenous involvement. In their email, the National Defence spokesperson stated that the department supports joint ventures between Indigenous and non-Indigenous companies. To qualify, a joint venture must be at least 51 per cent owned and managed by Indigenous entities, with Indigenous firms carrying out at least 33 per cent of the contract's total work value. The Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council has recently filed a human rights complaint, saying the directory discriminates by letting companies in without proper checks. They claim Indigenous Services Canada, which oversees eligibility, has not done enough to verify applicants, allowing firms to be listed by simply declaring themselves Indigenous, including those with weak or fake ties. After media reports, the Auditor General began an investigation, with results expected in fall 2026. 'It should be up to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities themselves to identify legitimate Indigenous businesses,' Dokis said. Changes needed across departments For business owners like Michael Jacobs, the underlying problem is that these efforts still treat Indigenous inclusion as an add-on. Jacobs has experience working with numerous federal departments on procurement processes in his capacity as CEO of Cambium Indigenous Professional Services, a consulting firm on Curve Lake First Nation. He said many federal contracts are bundled into large projects, which makes it impossible for Indigenous businesses to bid — even if they could deliver specific components better than anyone else. 'Sometimes a $5 million environmental assessment contract includes 1,000 hours of engagement work. We can do that engagement work better than anyone, but can't take on the whole contract because our team isn't big enough,' he said. In a press release, Kyra Wilson, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said the government's failure to meet procurement targets across departments reflects a lack of political will, not Indigenous capacity. 'Failing to meet its own procurement target undermines any credibility the federal government claims on its Nation Building agenda,' Wilson said. She called for binding legislation to enshrine Indigenous procurement targets into law and guaranteed set-aside contracts for First Nations-owned businesses, especially in Manitoba, where Bill C-5 is expected to drive major infrastructure and energy projects. 'If the federal government can't even meet a 5% procurement target — a very low bar — it exposes how little has changed beneath the rhetoric of reconciliation,' Wilson said. Dokis said Indigenous businesses often feel excluded from early project planning and experience last-minute changes that complicate bidding. 'They're not engaging early enough with the Indigenous communities or organizations that can help them out with regards to these major projects. We only become informed of these things when a plan is already almost done and ready to be implemented,' Dokis said. Lasting progress will require Indigenous-led certification processes, culturally relevant training, simpler and scalable procurement requirements and genuine government partnerships that include Indigenous businesses from the start, he said. Bonding and insurance remain major barriers for Indigenous businesses trying to win federal contracts and the programs designed to guarantee contract completion are often out of reach. Under the Indian Act, particularly section 89, many Indigenous-owned businesses cannot use their assets as collateral, which commercial bond providers typically require. This makes it hard to qualify for bonding, even on small contracts. 'Sometimes bonding is asked for when bonding is not required,' Dokis said. Dokis said federal departments often request bonds by default, instead of basing requirements on the size or risk of the contract. For smaller contracts, he said, "the request for bonds can be a cost that is not necessary" and only makes it harder for Indigenous companies to bid. Slow government payments also cause cash flow problems for Indigenous businesses, leaving some unable to pay staff or suppliers while they wait for reimbursement. Ducharme said improved public reporting and better access to procurement data are positive steps that help track contract awards. 'Now we can analyze who's getting contracts and where improvements are needed.' Data for 2024-25 is currently under review and analysis. Given the large volume of data, approximately 140,000 contracts, National Defence said they are currently unable to provide a projected result. Indigenous industry experts and business owners see the five per cent Indigenous procurement target as only a starting point. 'It's a floor, not a ceiling. If we can get that up to 13 or 15 per cent, then it changes the reliance on federal government funding. We'll have our own money, our own jobs, our own economies. But as long as these barriers exist, I'm never going to be able to make that jump,' Jacobs said.
Canada News.Net
4 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
"Canadians will be our own best customer": PM Mark Carney on building economic self-reliance amid US tariff hike
Ottawa [Canada], August 1 (ANI): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed his country's commitment to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), even as he expressed disappointment over the United States' decision to increase tariffs to 35 per cent on certain Canadian exports not covered under the trade pact. Stressing a shift towards economic self-reliance, Carney said the government is focused on domestic strength and long-term national resilience. 'Canadians will be our own best customer, creating more well-paying careers at home,' Carney said. 'We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away by building with Canadian workers and by using Canadian resources to benefit all Canadians.' 'While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world's second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume,' Carney said in an official statement on Thursday. The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that while the US application of CUSMA keeps the average tariff rate on Canadian goods among the lowest of any US trading partner, key sectors such as 'lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles' continue to face heavy duties and tariffs. 'For such sectors, the Canadian government will act to protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversify our export markets,' the statement added. Carney also rejected the US justification for the tariffs, which cited the cross-border flow of fentanyl. 'Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes,' he noted. Highlighting Canada's investments to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime, Carney stated that the government is supporting law enforcement and border security with 'thousands of new law enforcement and border security officers, aerial surveillance, intelligence and security operations, and the strongest border legislation in our history.' 'We will continue working with the United States to stop the scourge of fentanyl and save lives in both our countries,' he said. While confirming continued negotiations with the US, Carney said the Canadian government is 'laser focused' on domestic priorities. 'The federal government, provinces and territories are working together to cut down trade barriers to build one Canadian economy.' He added that Canada is pursuing 'major nation-building projects' with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners that could catalyze over half a trillion dollars in new investments. (ANI)
Vancouver Sun
13 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. Premier David Eby completes transition from LNG doubter with victory tour of Kitimat plant
VICTORIA — When David Eby goes all in on something, he does not fool around. Witness the premier's presence in Kitimat this week to celebrate completion of the LNG Canada project. 'I am so excited about this project and what it means for Canada, what it means for B.C.,' the former LNG skeptic declared from the public platform on Thursday. 'To be standing here, the proud leader of a province, of a government, that supported the workers in delivering the largest private sector investment in Canadian history — I want to congratulate all the workers and the company on this momentous occasion.' The premier rattled off the reasons for his conversion on the road, to, er Kitimat — including Indigenous partnership and weaning Canada off exclusive dependence on the U.S. for natural gas exports. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'The thing that I really like about the LNG Canada project is not just that it gets us to diverse markets, not just that it provides jobs and employment for British Columbians and for Canadians, but that we're doing it in a way that gets our resources to market that is responsible.' What about the Green party accusation that the New Democrats are 'greenwashing' fossil fuels with their support for LNG. 'Everybody knows that we have to transition away from fossil fuels, but, in the meantime, we should be using the lowest-carbon fossil fuels possible,' said Eby. 'The LNG that comes from this site is 60 per cent lower carbon than the average LNG plant in the world. It is 40 per cent better in terms of carbon content than the best plants in the world. 'When we're shipping to Japan, to Korea, to Malaysia, to China, it means that these countries are able to meaningfully reduce their carbon pollution and their carbon footprint.' Eby sketched the hypothetical scenario if his government had given in to the critics (some of them New Democrats) and cancelled the project. 'We could leave Japan and Korea and Malaysia to rely on imports from Qatar, or from the U.S.,' said the premier. 'It would require longer journeys by ship, resulting in more marine emissions. It would be higher-carbon LNG, resulting in more carbon pollution. And then here at home in Canada, we would have fewer jobs, less resources for public services. 'Japan, Malaysia, Korea, China are not eliminating fossil fuels overnight. If they are using LNG, they should be using the lowest-carbon LNG in the world. They should be using Canadian LNG that's produced ethically, that promotes environmental protection, as well as high quality labour standards and safety standards.' Eby's enthusiasm extended to the proposal to double the capacity of the Kitimat liquefacton plant, now awaiting a final investment decision by Shell and its partners in LNG Canada. 'I'm very much looking forward to be able to come back here to make the announcement about LNG Canada Phase 2,' the premier said Thursday. The province and the federal government are engaged in 'active conversations' with the LNG Canada partners on what it will take to secure a final investment decision. LNG Canada CEO Chris Cooper, who joined Eby on the platform, said the priority 'right now is to make sure that we get Phase 1 started up.' The terminal appeared to be in the shakedown phase as of this week. One LNG tanker was diverted away from the facility without loading according to the Reuters news agency. 'The facility has experienced technical issues with a gas turbine and a refrigerant production unit,' two sources told Reuters. An LNG Canada spokesperson, said 'a new facility of this size and scale may face operational setbacks as it ramps up.' Once the startup is complete, CEO Cooper said the goal will be 'finding the right balance between affordability, competitiveness, the environment, and just bringing those things together.' Eby says 'the company wants, understandably, certainty from us about government policies that could impact the performance of the project. And, in my opinion, the conversations are going well. 'We're hopeful that we'll be able to get to a final investment decision that benefits everyone just like we did on Phase 1 — an incredibly proud accomplishment of Premier Horgan and of our government. The largest private sector investment in Canadian history.' The John Horgan NDP government did indeed put together the tax and regulatory relief that led Shell and its partners to proceed with Phase 1. But I was struck this week by the gracious acknowledgement of the NDP accomplishment from former Premier Christy Clark, who got the ball rolling on LNG development in B.C. 'I'm absolutely thrilled,' she told the CBC's Gloria Macarenko when asked about Eby's all-in endorsement of LNG. 'Good for him. It takes a big person to change their mind and he's done it. 'There's no moment when this would be more important than right now,' Clark continued. 'It shows unity in this province.' The Greens are still there, seething on the sidelines. But the parties that governed B.C. from the 1990s to the 2020s pretty much agree on LNG now, never mind how deeply they disagreed on other issues. vpalmer@
