Federal Minister Promotes Nuclear Energy for Alberta

Author: anne | Date: September 13, 2007 | Please Comment!

Yesterday I went to see the federal Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn (from Vancouver Island) speak at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Among other comments he promoted nuclear energy for Alberta as free of greenhouse gas emissions as well as better and safer technology than older Candu reactors. He glossed over the waste management liability which faces any nuclear user for thousands of years.

On the question of massive cost overruns in the Ontario nuclear industry (paid from the public purse) he assured the audience that nuclear power would only be supported if it was fully funded through private sources. Many questions remain unanswered however:

  • Who would insure such a facility and for what type of disasters?
  • Who would be the customers? I’ve heard of no oilsands operator that is interested.
  • Would nuclear energy contribute substantial and sustainable jobs? Evidence suggests that renewable energy (such as wind and solar and geo-thermal) would create far more jobs for the long term and a more diverse economy for the future.
  • Mr. Lunn said nothing about energy conservation measures which could reduce electricity demand up to 40% according to the National Roundtable on Energy and Environment.
  • Finally, what greenhouse gas emissions are associated with the mining, transportation, refining of uranium and the building of the nuclear plant? They are not insignificant.

    • The Minister finished up by reminding the audience (mostly fossil fuel industry folks) that fossil fuels were the mainstay of the Canadian economy for the foreseeable future and, while his government is committed to environmental health, they would protect the industry.

    All in all Mr Lunn’s speech was an acknowledgement that the federal Conservative government continues to ignore the wishes of the citizens of Canada who recognize the urgency of climate change and want real action on alternative energy.

    As I left the luncheon I wondered if Minister Lunn was as enthusiastic about nuclear energy for Vancouver Island as he is for Alberta.

    Visit Gary Lunn’s website and let him know what you think: Click Here

    Continue Reading
    Uncategorized
    Please Comment!

    One Comment. Add yours!

    • sheilabee
      12:28 am on November 1st, 2007

      I am a resident of Van. Island and do not agree with Mr. Lunn’s proposals. He would not dare to mention them here. As well, in the July issue of Focus, Mr. Lunn’s says “there is nothing to stop tankers from transiting the BC coast with condensate and crude oil going to and from Alberta’s tar sands projects. Nothing except for reefs, stormy weather, human error, mechanical breakdown. First Nations objections and plain bad luck.” The Cons. are not talking about this now because they know it would be an explosive issue here in B.C. on both of these issues.

    Leave a reply!