Indigenous leaders say they are still struggling to have a voice when it comes to major decisions that impact their traditional territory.
Saugeen Ojibway Nation leadership appeared before the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in Kincardine to urge for heightened Indigenous consultation and participation in environmental studies as Bruce Power seeks a ten-year license for its Bruce A and B stations, as well as permission to carry out its major component replacement program.
Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anaquot says there was no consultation when nuclear power came to the region 50 years ago, and they have struggled to be heard as the industry has expanded in the meantime. He says their way of life remains unprotected.
"We know that [nuclear] has brought changes to our territory and poses real risks and harms, but these impacts are not acknowledged, we do not yet have sufficient protections in place," says Anaquot. "Our perspective about these impacts, risks and harms are minimized."
S.O.N. tabled six requests as part of their presentation, asking that Bruce Power not be permitted to carry out its refurbishment plan until those conditions are met, which include Indigenous participation in a monitoring program for thermal effluent discharged into Lake Huron, as well as fish impingement.
S.O.N. lawyer Alex Monem told the CNSC that progress has been made on many of the requests, though some areas still require attention.
Bruce Power Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Environment James Scongack says environmental protection is a shared priority with S.O.N., so the company has no issues with working to find common ground.
"We do respect the fact that our facility operates on the traditional territory of the S.O.N., so through that comes some unique concerns raised by S.O.N., you heard some of those today," says Scongack. "We have sought and will continue to work with S.O.N. on those concerns, but I think the dialogue today was very positive."
CNSC hearings into Bruce Power's operating license request continue through Thursday in Kincardine.