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Provincial perspectives on small modular reactors

February 24, 2020

Two provincial cabinet members will take the CNA2020 mainstage to offer their perspectives of small modular reactors (SMRs) in their respective provinces.

Dustin Duncan has been the member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly for Weyburn-Big Muddy since 2006. A member of the Saskatchewan Party, he currently serves as the Minister of Environment, Minister responsible for SaskPower and Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency. Previously, he managed various portfolios, including Energy and Resources, SaskEnergy.

In 2018, Greg Rickford was elected as the member of Ontario Legislature for Kenora—Rainy River. A member of the Progressive Conservative Party, he is the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and the Minister of Indigenous Affairs. Previously, Rickford was the member of Parliament for the riding of Kenora since 2008. Federally, he served as Minister of State (Science and Technology, and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario), Minister of Natural Resources and other portfolios.

In December, the premiers of Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the development and deployment of SMRs. To address climate change, regional energy demand and economic development, the MOU commits the provinces to work cooperatively to:

  • address key issues for SMR deployment, such as technological readiness, regulatory frameworks, financing, waste management, and public and Indigenous engagement;
  • develop support for the SMR Roadmap and as requested by the CEOs of SaskPower, Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power and NB Power;
  • work with all levels of government to promote nuclear as clean energy;
  • influence the federal government to make the necessary changes to facilitate the introduction of SMRs;
  • engage with other interested provinces and territories to explore the potential for SMR deployment in their jurisdictions; and
  • inform the public about the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy and SMRs.

Join this CNA2020 plenary session on Thursday, February 27 from 11:00 to 12:00.

Find the complete CNA2020 schedule at https://cna.ca/cna2020/program/.

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