The possibility of a nuclear power plant being built in Saskatchewan has been mused about for some time but recently moved to the forefront with open houses and information sessions. Regardless of your instinctive thoughts on the issue, I commend those who are taking the time to become further educated on what is often a complex issue.
There has been discussion about environmental impacts, safety and cost efficiencies of nuclear power as well as the economic factors, including a potential for thousands of jobs. While I’m not going to use this report to debate the merits or the downfalls, I do want to present some facts. One of the misconceptions that a number of folks have concerns the role of the federal government with respect to approval of nuclear power plants. Ours is one of a regulatory role.
Yes, in Canada, nuclear energy falls within the jurisdiction of the federal government which oversees Research and Development as well as the regulation of all nuclear materials and activities. We take the responsibility seriously, placing top priority on health, safety and the environment, but any decision to begin generation of electricity rests with the provinces. Together with provincial utility companies and industry, provinces must make the decisions as to whether or not a nuclear power plant should be built.
Ottawa has funded nuclear research and development for more than 50 years. Under Natural Resources Canada, two organizations play key roles in the Canadian nuclear energy program. Atomic Energy of Canada is a Crown Corporation started in 1952 to develop peaceful applications of nuclear energy through research and development, production of medical isotopes and the management of wastes. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is an independent agency that regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment.
However, should there be any problem with a nuclear reactor, industry is ultimately responsible. This week our government introduced new legislation called the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act. It will ensure Canada’s laws remain in line with international standards, increasing accountability and the liability of nuclear operators for damages and injury.
What’s also important to note, and perhaps not realized by some folks out west, is that 16 per cent of Canada’s electricity already comes from nuclear reactors, most of them in Ontario. According to the World Nuclear Association, the portion of electricity generated by nuclear plants across the globe is about the same – 16 per cent – and France depends on nuclear energy for almost 80 per cent of its electricity. The organization reports that worldwide, as of January 2009, there were 439 operating reactors, another 43 under construction and a further 374 on order or proposed for the future.
A nuclear plant in Saskatchewan may bring opportunity but the first opportunities are those that allow residents to get involved in meetings, public forums and information sessions ahead of any decision by the province. Seeking factual information is important to cutting through the rhetoric in order to have an informed opinion, based on sound science.
Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca