POLL FINDS ONTARIANS SUPPORT EXTENDING THE OPERATING LIFE OF THE PICKERING NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION

OTTAWA (June 22, 2018) – A new poll has found that 71% of Ontarians support extending the operating life of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

The telephone poll for the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) by the independent firm Innovative Research Group also found a majority of those surveyed said the extension was good for electricity prices (55%) and jobs/the economy (74%).

The poll comes as the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is set to hold hearings on the Pickering life extension next week.

“The CNA believes that OPG has clearly demonstrated operational excellence, a commitment to health, safety and the environment. We strongly support OPG’s request for a 10-year licence renewal for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station,” said CNA President and CEO John Barrett. “The polling results confirm that OPG also has the public’s confidence to continue operations at Pickering.”

The poll also found that 74% of Ontarians believe Pickering is an important part of Ontario’s climate change goals, and 80% feel Pickering helps provide a stable and reliable source of energy.

The survey was based on telephone interviews among Ontario residents aged 18 and older. The data was weighted by age, gender and region using the most recent Census data, to a final sample size of 600. A sample of this size has an associated margin of error of +/- 4.0%, 19 times out of 20.

About the CNA:

Since 1960, the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of the Canadian nuclear industry. Working alongside our members and all communities of interest, the CNA promotes the industry nationally and internationally, works with governments on policies affecting the sector and works to increase awareness and understanding of the value nuclear technology brings to the environment, economy and the daily life of Canadians.

For more information:

Erin Polka
Manager of Communications and Media Relations
(613) 237-4262
polkae@cna.ca