CNA welcomes net-zero legislation as important step toward lower-emission Canada

OTTAWA (November 19, 2020) – The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) welcomed the tabling of federal net-zero legislation today by Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, signalling a renewed commitment to emission reductions and an important step in furthering Canada’s clean electricity generation.

The new federal legislation would legally bind the Government and future generations to a process to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.       

“Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a historic step, and will require decisions and investments now to lay foundations for the clean energy projects of the future,” said John Gorman, President and CEO of the CNA.  “This will take everyone playing their part – hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, biofuels, geothermal and tidal.  Canada already has one of the cleanest grids in the world, and doubling down now on clean generation will make us a model for the world”.  

Canada’s electricity system is already 82% derived from emissions-free sources, making it one of the world’s largest and cleanest electricity systems.  Eight of ten Canadians already have access to over 95% emissions-free electricity, in six provinces.  Canada’s emission-free generation is presently derived from a combination of hydroelectric, nuclear, wind, biofuel, solar, geothermal and tidal, plus natural gas coupled with carbon capture and storage.  Electricity providers collaborate and complement one another to make emissions-free clean electricity a Canadian reality. Most of Canada’s power utilities use several of these clean energy technologies in concert with one another. 

“Today’s announcement underscores the importance of imminent decisions regarding clean electricity – an important pathway to becoming an overall net-zero country,” added Gorman.

About the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA)

Every year in Canada, nuclear technology helps avoid 80 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by displacing fossil fuels and supplies 70 per cent of the global supply of cobalt-60, radioisotopes that are used to treat cancer and sterilize medical equipment, among other things. It generates more than $6 billion in revenue and creates more than 76,000 direct and indirect, well-paying jobs. Canada stands to solidify its leading position in the world’s nuclear industry with the introduction of next-generation technologies in the form of small nuclear reactors.

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