Question Period Note: Nuclear Energy & Small Modular Reactors

Nuclear energy is a non-emitting source of electricity that both the International Energy Agency and UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change see as important in meeting Paris Agreement climate targets. It is an important part of Canada’s clean energy mix, providing 15 percent of our energy supply. Canadian growth in the sector is currently sustained by a $26 billion refurbishment of 10 nuclear reactors in Ontario, while Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a next-generation nuclear technology that promises to be smaller, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional nuclear power. A number of provinces, territories, and their utilities are exploring opportunities to advance SMR projects.

• There is no way for Canada to achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050 without nuclear energy.
• Canada is already a nuclear leader – a Tier-One nuclear nation that contributes $17 billion each year to our economy and employs over 76,000 Canadians.
• We will build on this advantage, to lead the nuclear future that includes small modular reactors - an innovation that delivers the safe, clean power that will help clean other parts of our economy and get us to our Paris Agreement targets.

If asked about Small Modular Reactors:
• Our government sees Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a promising, innovative technology that can support Canada’s clean energy transformation and create good jobs.
• We are working with over 100 partners from across the country to develop Canada’s SMR Action Plan to seize this opportunity, which we will release in November.
If pressed on nuclear safety:
• Our government places the highest priority on health, safety, and environmental protection in all aspects of the nuclear industry.

• Canada has a world-class nuclear safety regime administered by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) – an independent regulator that regularly undergoes peer-review from world-renowned organizations.

• The CNSC is committed to maintaining the highest standards in nuclear safety and security.

On Nuclear and the Pandemic
• At the height of the pandemic, our nuclear plants continued to offer reliable power to Canadians.

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