As development of the provincial government’s next Long-term Energy Plan (LTEP) officially begins, The Society has been actively promoting the benefits of Ontario’s nuclear industry.
The Society had a significant presence at the October 14 open breaker announcement at Darlington, which begins the first phase of work on a reactor as part of OPG’s refurbishment. Society president Scott Travers was among the political and industry leaders who addressed dignitaries at the announcement. As part of the event, OPG released a new independent report from the Conference Board of Canada showing that Darlington will add $89 billion to Ontario’s GDP over the next 30 years of operation. The Society also had a booth to educate attendees about The Society that was staffed by OPG Local Vice President Joe Fierro and a number of the local’s unit directors.
Travers also participated in the Canadian Nuclear Association’s lobby day at the Ontario legislature on October 5. Travers was among 45 participants representing the nuclear sector’s generation, supply chain, research and development, and labour stakeholders. In all, participants met with 70 senior provincial decision-makers and influencers.
Among the officials Travers met with were Environment Minister Glen Murray, Deputy Minister of Energy Serve Imbrogno and Deputy Minister of Labour Sophie Dennis.
The lobby day focused on educating officials about the extraordinary role nuclear plays in Ontario as a source of energy, economic prosperity, and environmental progress.
Finally, The Society sent delegates, including President Travers, to the Canadian Nuclear Workers Council convention in Toronto. The October 15-18 meeting convened unions with members in all parts of the nuclear industry – from uranium mining to generation to policy to waste management – to plan coordinated advocacy efforts on sector issues over the coming year.
In the context of the next LTEP, advocacy on sector issues is of great importance. The Society encourages individual members to participate in LTEP consultations to ensure their personal views are included in the plan. In-person consultations begin October 24 and run through November 30 in cities across Ontario. Click here for a full list of consultations.
