First Nations say appeal of radioactive waste facility is a ‘litmus test’ of fast-tracking laws – Indigenous Watchdog – Canada’s National Observer

October 10, 2025

Canada’s National Observer: A contentious radioactive waste disposal facility near the Ottawa River is back in court, and the outcome will set an important precedent for Indigenous rights and consultation.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is trying to overturn a federal court’s decision that found Kebaowek First Nation was not properly consulted on a near-surface nuclear waste disposal facility in Chalk River, Ont. This development is the latest in a long saga of court challenges and appeals since the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission greenlit the proposed facility on Jan. 9, 2024. The radioactive waste mound would be situated about a kilometre from the Ottawa River, which is a source of drinking water for millions of people downstream.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Bloc Québécois, Green Party and NDP pledged their support to Kebaowek First Nation, which is prepared to take the fight all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary.

Read More: https://www.indigenouswatchdog.org/update/first-nations-say-appeal-of-radioactive-waste-facility-is-a-litmus-test-of-fast-tracking-laws/