Dozens rally in support of First Nations fight against proposed nuclear waste dump

About 50 people gathered outside the Federal Court of Appeal in downtown Ottawa on Wednesday to show their support for Kebaowek First Nation and its opposition to a proposed nuclear waste disposal site at Chalk River – about 180 kilometres northwest of the city. “That we all have a responsibility to protect the river and there will be no nuclear waste on any of our waters or our land,” said Algonquin Elder Claudette about the proposed site’s close proximity to the Ottawa River, or Kitchi Zibi in Algonquin. “Let’s say that together, ‘Water is life. Water is life,’” The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission gave the green light to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to build the facility in 2024 but Kebaowek took the decision to court and received two favourable rulings. In separate decisions, the Federal Court ruled CNL had not met its duty to consult obligations and the proposal did not sufficiently protect local species at risk. Allies hold signs at the rally in downtown Ottawa on Wednesday. Photo: Mark Blackburn/APTN. CNL has applied for a judicial review of both rulings and a hearing on the duty to consult application took place in Ottawa inside the building where the rally took place on Wednesday. “Inside our courthouse our legal team is standing up for something simple but powerful,” Kebaowek First Nation Chief Lance Haymond said during a break from the hearing. “That laws must mean something and promises must be kept. Canada passed a law to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples. Canada passed a Species at Risk Act to protect fragile life and ecosystems. “Yet here we are having to remind the government to follow its own laws. This isn’t a court case, it’s a test of values.” Kebaowek is located in Quebec about 100 kilometres north of Kitchi Zibi and 200 kilometres northwest of Chalk River. Members of the NDP and Bloc Québécois were also at the rally to show their support. “Time and time again this government says one thing and it’s doing another,” Winnipeg NDP MP Leah Gazan said. “I am going to stand to uphold the rule of law and that includes the right of Indigenous peoples as affirmed through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” An ally of Kebaowek First Nation at the rally in Ottawa. Photo: Mark Blackburn/APTN. Bloc Québécois MP Sebastien Lemire added with so much opposition to the proposed nuclear waste disposal site, CNL needs to find a new location. “I think we are at a breaking point,” he said. “I think the evidence shows and of course thanks to the First Nations who have made this battle for sure. But it’s the more than 140 municipalities, towns that are opposed to the project of Chalk River. So, the reality now, find another site.” On Nov. 12 in Ottawa, the Federal Court of Appeal will hear CNL’s application for a judicial review of the species at risk ruling. Continue Reading