A survey conducted by advocacy groups We the Nuclear Free North and Nuclear Free Thunder Bay suggests most municipal election candidates in Thunder Bay are concerned about the proposed transportation of nuclear waste through the city and would support a municipal resolution expressing those concerns.

The issue stems from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)’s proposed deep geological repository near Ignace, which would store Canada’s used nuclear fuel underground and require shipments of the material through northwestern Ontario.

The survey asked Thunder Bay candidates two questions: whether they have concerns about the transportation of high-level radioactive waste through their community, and whether they would support their municipality passing a resolution related to the NWMO’s proposed project.

According to the groups, 25 of 47 candidates contacted responded to the survey. Of those respondents,

• 92% said they have concerns about the transportation of high-level radioactive waste through Thunder Bay
• 84% said they would support a municipal resolution expressing those concerns.

Some candidates who indicated they were uncertain about supporting a resolution said their position would depend on the wording, but provided comments generally supportive of the concept, the groups said.

“The survey response rate and results show a lot of engagement on this issue. Thunder Bay needs to take its place at the table on this issue, both for the sake of local residents and because Thunder Bay is in a leadership position in northwestern Ontario. Most responding candidates have demonstrated that they understand this.”

— Charles Faust, a volunteer with Nuclear Free Thunder Bay and member of the We the Nuclear Free North alliance

The survey focused on concerns related to the NWMO’s proposed transportation of used nuclear fuel through the region. Advocacy groups have argued municipalities along the transportation route should have a voice in discussions surrounding the project.

Detailed municipal and candidate-specific responses are available on the We the Nuclear Free North website.