LASER TALK: CCL Canada’s Position on Nuclear Energy

LASER TALK: Our Stance on Nuclear Energy

Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada does not advocate for or against nuclear power generation.

We understand the science demonstrating nuclear power’s low-carbon generating capacity, and we also recognise the objections many raise regarding costs, risks to health and safety, and environmental impacts. As with any energy technology or climate solution, our focus remains on a liveable future for all. That means energy systems should:
(a) not pollute,
(b) not destabilise the climate system,
(c) operate safely at all times, and
(d) avoid imposing massive hidden costs on society and nature.

We know that in 1999, Ontario Hydro went bankrupt due to enormous nuclear debts. Twenty-five years later, the debt is still $12.1 billion, according to the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation (OEFC)  2024 Annual Report. In 2024, the OEFC paid $626 million in interest alone, funded by taxpayers and hydro users. The OEFC’s longest loan does not end until 2 December 2050.

The World Nuclear Industry Status Review is an annual independent assessment of the global nuclear industry. In its 2022 review it concluded:

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors continue to hog the headlines in many countries, even though all the evidence so far shows that they will likely face major economic challenges and not be competitive on the electricity market. Despite this evidence, nuclear advocates argue that these untested reactor designs are the solution to the nuclear industry’s woes.

Our aim:  We agree with the United Nations’ Integrity Matters report, which states that net-zero strategies must be verifiable, genuinely low-carbon, and clean. Free, prior, and informed consent must also be central to all contracts with Indigenous Peoples, in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We call on the governments within the Canadian Confederation to establish true competitive procurement of electricity generation.

Addendum: We note that in June 2024, former Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith left the government. After spending billions on the nuclear industry and promising billions more, Smith landed a job as a vice president of CANDU Energy Inc.

Go back to Laser Talks Page.