Letting the People Speak: The Public Consultation Process for Nuclear Power in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Abstract

This paper compares the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments’ public consultation process for the introduction of nuclear power in their provinces. While the goal was the same – to gauge public reaction on a continuous policy issue – the design of their respective consultation process was quite different. The paper analyzes the techniques of public consultation in the nuclear sector, especially the use of public hearings and multiple consultative tools. Finally, it assesses the impact that public consultation has on government decision-making.