Canada’s plans to build new nuclear reactors could face major cost overruns and stalled projects if supply-chain and workforce bottlenecks are not addressed, warns a new report released today by Clean Prosperity.

Canada has the opportunity to scale nuclear power as part of a broader effort to electrify its economy. There is room to more than triple Canada’s nuclear generating capacity by 2050, according to recent modelling from Clean Prosperity and Navius Research. 

The new report is based on a survey of experts in the nuclear sector, including representatives from power utilities and nuclear proponents, as well as governments, Indigenous communities, labour, and non-governmental organizations. 

Survey participants said Canada needs a reset focused on efficient project delivery, cost control, and public confidence. Provinces must work together rather than competing for the same labour, expertise, and investment.

“Canada has a real chance to expand nuclear power in a way that strengthens energy security, drives economic growth, and supports a low-carbon economy. But if we fail to address constraints in the supply chain or coordinate across orders of government, costs could rise and progress could grind to a halt.”

Brendan Frank, vice president of policy, Clean Prosperity, and report co-author

“Canada has a real chance to expand nuclear power in a way that strengthens energy security, drives economic growth, and supports a low-carbon economy, ” said Brendan Frank, vice president of policy at Clean Prosperity, and report co-author. “But if we fail to address constraints in the supply chain or coordinate across orders of government, costs could rise and progress could grind to a halt.”

Clean Prosperity recommends that federal and provincial governments work together to develop a new Canadian nuclear power strategy to enable responsible, efficient, and cost-effective scaling of nuclear power across Canada. 

The Canadian nuclear strategy should:

• Establish cabinet-level leadership with single-point accountability for fleet-based nuclear reactor deployment and supply-chain planning. A dedicated minister or secretary of state should coordinate federal departments and work with a federal-provincial working group. Provinces should retain control over project ownership and delivery. 
• Align workforce standards, including apprenticeships and certification, across provinces and with the federal government, to improve readiness and mobility, expand suppliers, and ensure safe, efficient nuclear project delivery. 
• Enable Indigenous participation early in nuclear planning. Project proponents should build partnerships, invest in capacity building, and seek free, prior, and informed consent.
• Develop coordinated strategies for standardized reactor deployment, clarified regulatory roles, and integrated fuel and used-fuel planning to ensure Canada’s nuclear expansion is efficient, safe, and cost-effective. This should include an assessment of the risks and costs associated with Canada developing its own domestic enrichment capacity.

“Provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta are looking seriously at nuclear, and that makes coordination even more important,” said Jeff Davis, director for Saskatchewan at Clean Prosperity and report co-author. “Getting the foundations right now on workforce, supply chains, Indigenous participation, and regulation can reduce risks and give these projects the best chance for success.”

“Canada’s nuclear future is within reach. Bringing this vision to life will require coordinated effort, thoughtful planning, and the right investments. If governments, communities, and industry work together, these projects can be delivered safely and efficiently.”

Emily Rowan, manager of federal government relations, Clean Prosperity and report co-author

“Canada’s nuclear future is within reach,” said Emily Rowan, manager of federal government relations at Clean Prosperity and report co-author. “Bringing this vision to life will require coordinated effort, thoughtful planning, and the right investments. If governments, communities, and industry work together, these projects can be delivered safely and efficiently.”

^{Photo credit: Chuck Szmurlo}