Amendments to Non-domestic Substances List; DGR National Interest

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published two government notices on September 19, 2026. One is Order 2026-87-11-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List (a chemical-list change under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999). The other is a Major Projects Office notice that the federal government may list the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project on Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act, a move that could speed federal approvals.

What it does#

• Order 2026-87-11-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List

  • Removes four entries from Part I of the Non-domestic Substances List.
  • Says the order will come into force when Order 2026-87-11-01 Amending the Domestic Substances List comes into force.
  • The order is signed by Julie Dabrusin (Minister of the Environment) on September 8, 2026.
  • The Gazette item does not explain why the deletions were made.

• Major Projects Office notice about the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project

  • Announces that the Governor in Council may add the Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project to Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act (making it a “national interest” project).
  • Says Dominic LeBlanc (the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada) will consult with the Government of Ontario; consultation with Indigenous rights‑holders is already underway.
  • Describes the proposed project: an underground repository more than 500 m below ground, surface facilities, transport access, a rail spur and other infrastructure.
  • Says the repository would hold about 5.9 million used fuel bundles (the projected inventory from Canada’s current reactors) and that the project would span about 160 years from site preparation through post‑closure monitoring.
  • Lists factors the government may consider when deciding (e.g., national security/resilience, economic benefits, likelihood of success, advancing Indigenous interests, and contribution to clean growth).
  • Invites public views by email; submissions are due by October 26, 2026.

Who's affected#

• Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) — the project proponent.
• People and leadership in the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace region in northwestern Ontario — the proposed project location.
• Government of Ontario and federal departments involved in permits and reviews.
• Nearby communities, local workers, construction and transport sectors (rail, road), and environmental organizations.
• Indigenous rights‑holders participating in consultation.
• Chemical importers or companies tracking the Non‑domestic Substances List (affected by the deletions), although the notice does not explain the practical effect.

Why it matters#

• Listing the DGR as a national interest project could streamline federal approvals and change how the project is reviewed. That can speed construction but also concentrates decision-making at the federal level.
• The DGR is a very large, long‑term project (about 5.9 million fuel bundles over 160 years) with potential local economic benefits (jobs, infrastructure) and long‑term safety, environmental and land‑use implications for nearby communities and Indigenous peoples.
• The public and stakeholders have a chance to comment on whether the project should get national‑interest status; comments are due October 26, 2026.
• The change to the Non‑domestic Substances List looks routine from the notice; the Gazette does not say why the items were removed, so practical effects are unclear from this publication alone.