CNS Members Promoting Nuclear Energy in Public Debate - an Example From Quebec

Abstract

For approximately two years, several members of the Quebec branch of the Canadian Nuclear Society have publicly expressed their views in favour of nuclear energy in Québec. This paper summarizes their participation in the BAPE public hearings on the environment (“Bureau d’Audience Publique sur l’Environnement”), in the hearings of a Quebec Parliamentary Commission on economy and labour, and in the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in December 2005 in Montreal. The focus is mainly on a debate around the possible refurbishment of the Gentilly-2 nuclear power plant, the only operating nuclear plant in Québec. Antinuclear groups are well organized and their message is transmitted loudly to the public by the mainstream media. Industry professionals must therefore express themselves publicly to counterbalance this biased message. In conclusion, we see a need for the formation of a coalition of all who support nuclear power in Quebec to support the refurbishment of Gentilly-2.