PWU in Canada Supports Efforts to Build More Nuclear Reactors

ICEM Canadian affiliate Power Workers’ Union (PWU) supports the efforts of a Canadian company to build more nuclear power capability in the province of Ontario. Bruce Power, a privately held electric generating company based in Ontario, announced recently that it would begin the licensing process with federal and provincial regulators to construct more nuclear reactors.

“The government of Ontario is clear on its direction to keep nuclear generation in Ontario’s electricity mix,” said PWU President Don MacKinnon. “We support any actions that begin the process of planning for the future of nuclear power.”

Bruce Power currently operates six nuclear reactors, with two other units currently under re-construction and expected back on line in 2009. The company is the source of 20% of Ontario’s power supply and has the capability to generate 6,200 megawatts. Bruce Power is seeking regulatory and licensing approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission under the country’s Environmental Assessment Act to conduct more reactors that would begin operation after 2015.

PWU is the largest electricity union in Ontario, and has union membership in all of the provinces nuclear and coal-fired power plants. The PWU also represents workers in hydroelectric, gas, oil, and biomass generation plants, as well as in regulatory and research aspects of the industry.