Bruce Power officials pleased with federal support of strong, safe nuclear sector

Bruce Power officials are pleased to hear the Government of Canada is committed to providing greater stewardship to support a strong and safe nuclear sector.

This was part of the federal government's response to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources’ report on the nuclear sector.

The response follows a report tabled by the committee in June, calling on the government to reaffirm its long-standing support for Canadian nuclear energy and research, particularly in regulatory and safety practices, research and innovation, leadership in nuclear power generation, and the development and commercialization of next-generation nuclear technologies.

The government, in its response, agreed with all seven recommendations proposed by the committee, and committed to providing greater stewardship to support a strong and safe nuclear sector.

In its response, the government applauded the nuclear sector as a significant contributor to the economy, providing more than 30,000 direct jobs and adding $6-billion annually to the national Gross Domestic Product.

In Ontario, alone, Bruce Power supports 22,000 direct and indirect jobs annually, while creating $4-billion in annual provincial economic benefit through the direct and indirect spending on operational equipment, supplies, materials and labour income.

The federal government agreed with the committee that nuclear energy is an important part of Canada’s clean energy mix, and will continue to play a key role in achieving Canada’s low-carbon future. The response points to the significance of the long-term commitment to Bruce Power’s Life-Extension Program, which will allow nuclear energy to remain a primary source of clean and reliable energy in Canada through 2064.

Electricity from Bruce Power continues to be one of the lowest-cost sources of energy, providing 30 per cent of Ontario’s electricity at 30-per-cent less than the average cost to produce residential power.

In its analysis, the response outlines a number of opportunities to advance nuclear energy, support innovation, research and development, and enhance partnerships with various levels of government to promote Canadian leadership in the nuclear sector.

In particular, advancements in the field of medical isotope applications is recognized by the response as the government commits to increasing the security of Canada’s medical isotope production in the short-, medium- and long-term. Bruce Power’s role in the production of Cobalt-60 will continue to play a crucial role in shaping and leveraging the potential for future medical applications of nuclear technology.

Read the government’s response to the report.

Download the full Committee report.