Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) is criticizing the federal government over Canada’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy, saying it was not involved before the plan was released.
The strategy was announced by Natural Resources Canada on June 22, 2026. It lays out Ottawa’s plan to expand nuclear energy, support new reactor builds, strengthen uranium and fuel opportunities, and support long-term nuclear waste management.
The federal government says nuclear power is key to meeting rising electricity demand while supporting affordability, energy security, and the move toward net zero by 2050. Natural Resources Canada says the strategy will also help attract private investment and grow Canada’s nuclear workforce.
But Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s Joint Chiefs and Councils say they are disappointed and frustrated by the lack of consultation.
In a statement posted July 8, SON says the strategy includes plans that could directly affect Saukiing Anishnaabekiing, also known as SON Territory. SON points specifically to the potential Bruce C project at Bruce Power and nuclear waste concerns tied to Canada’s long-term nuclear planning.
SON says its territory already hosts Canada’s largest nuclear facilities and stores much of the country’s nuclear waste, and argues Canada has relied heavily on the region to support nuclear development without properly involving SON in early decision-making.
The statement says SON wrote to the Prime Minister before the strategy was released to raise concerns about the lack of early engagement.
"History cannot repeat itself," Chippewas of Nawash Ogimaa Kwe Veronica Smith said, adding SON Territory cannot be treated as an energy sacrifice zone.
The federal strategy says nuclear development will respect Indigenous rights and Crown consultation requirements. However, SON says those commitments are not enough without clear action and accountability.
Chippewas of Saugeen Acting Chief Randall Kahgee said "SON's consent is required" for new nuclear development affecting its territory.
SON says its members must be central to decisions on major nuclear projects, and says Canada and Ontario must address the legacy of past nuclear decisions as part of reconciliation.
Natural Resources Canada says it will work with interested provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, unions, universities and the broader nuclear sector as the strategy is implemented.
