Nuclear Power

April 22, 2008

Dr. Taft: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Both the nuclear lobby and top Tory insiders are already backing a nuclear power plant in the constituency of Peace River . At the same time, we have a Minister of Environment who in this very Chamber on May 29, 2007, said, “ It's not the role of Alberta Environment to advocate on behalf of the environment.” You wonder what his job is, then. The deck is already stacked in favour of a nuclear power plant, and this government is part of the shuffle. My question is to the Minister of Environment. Given that nuclear power plants draw huge amounts of water for cooling, why doesn't the government's Water for Life strategy consider the impact of nuclear power on Alberta 's strained water resources?

Mr. Renner: Well, Mr. Speaker, the Water for Life strategy doesn't deal with specific applications of water. It doesn't deal with specific industries. It deals with putting in place the tools that we need to manage our water on an outgoing basis. As the member knows
perfectly well, the hearing process for the approval of a nuclear power plant is a very long one, and we'll have plenty of opportunities to engage in that conversation as the process goes forward.

Dr. Taft: Again to the same minister, Mr. Speaker: will the radioactive waste from this plant be stored in Alberta, a risk to Albertans, or will it be shipped out of Alberta, a risk to Albertans?

Mr. Renner: Well, I think that's a very good question that the member should be asking during the hearing process that is part of any regulatory review.

Dr. Taft: To the same minister: given that there are much more environmentally responsible ways to address electricity shortages, including better efficiency and solar and wind power, will this government focus first and foremost on renewable energy and improved efficiency, turn its back on the nuclear lobby, and leave nuclear power as a last resort?

Mr. Renner: Well, not to duplicate what has already been said in this House, but I need to remind the Leader of the Opposition of the words spoken by the Minister of Energy, who in fact is responsible for the development of power: this government neither supports nor does it oppose the application that is before us. We will let the process proceed, and we will deal with the issues that come out of that process appropriately.