Great Lakes nuke shipment ignores law: First Nation

NISPISSING FIRST NATION, Ont. - An Ontario First Nation says the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is "ignoring the rule of law" by approving a nuclear waste shipment through the Great Lakes.

The Anishinabek Nation says the Supreme Court has stipulated that First Nations must be consulted when such shipments are made.

Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says First Nations have to be accommodated on activities that could have an impact on their traditional territories.

A Feb. 4 decision by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission authorizes Bruce Power to transport 16 decommissioned steam generators from southwestern Ontario to Sweden for recycling.

The commission says it's satisfied Bruce Power's application meets Canadian and international regulations for the transport of nuclear substances.

Madahbee, speaking for 39 member communities of the Anishinabek Nation, notes that Anishinabek First Nation communities occupy all of the Great Lakes shoreline and a significant part of its basin.

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