Canada’s nuclear workforce is roughly 90,000 strong.
This workforce, of which nearly 90% is considered high-skill work, contributes more than $20 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product.
To continue growing this sector, the federal government is investing to help Canada become an “energy superpower.”
In this vein, Prairies Economic Development Canada recently revealed over $600K in support for the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers’ Association, the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, and Southeast Techhub.
Southeast Techhub exists to “advance rural innovation by connecting industry, education, and communities around emerging energy opportunities,” according to executive director Gordon More.
“This project accelerates that mission by helping rural Southeast Saskatchewan businesses gain the knowledge, standards, and networks required to enter the nuclear supply chain with confidence,” he stated.
SIMSA’s 380 member companies “will benefit from this program, as it will enable them to gather the knowledge, credentials, and connections to become part of the nuclear supply chain for projects in Saskatchewan and beyond,” commented executive director Eric Anderson.
Working alongside SIMSA and Southeast Techhub, OCNI “is pleased to be helping Saskatchewan businesses develop the know-how, connections, and credentials they need to enter, grow, and compete in the nuclear supply chain,” remarked CEO Ivette Vera-Perez. “With this investment from the Government of Canada, we can help more local companies participate in nuclear energy projects at home, across Canada, and internationally.”
Saskatchewan boasts nuclear energy potential which stems from capacity in research as well as access to natural resources such as uranium, according to Buckley Belanger, who functions as Secretary of State for Rural Development.
“From northern mines to communities large and small, our government’s investment in Saskatchewan’s nuclear supply chain will bring highly skilled jobs, new opportunities, and contribute to building a more resilient and reliable energy grid across our province,” he stated.
Canada is investing in Saskatchewan’s nuclear capacity “by helping local businesses and communities build the skills and connections needed to strengthen a made‑in‑Canada supply chain,” according to Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience.
“With a global competitive advantage in uranium mining, Saskatchewan has a critical role to play as Canada works to become an energy superpower,” the minister stated. “Strengthening the province’s nuclear supply chain will unlock new economic opportunities, reinforce energy security, and support reliable, affordable, and abundant power for the future.”
Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, goes as far as to claim that Canada “has been a nuclear energy superpower for decades.”
“We are excited that Saskatchewan’s energy future includes nuclear, and our new government is investing in that future by approving new uranium mines, supporting SMR deployment, and building a nuclear supply chain in the heart of the Prairies that will create jobs and enhance energy security for Saskatchewan,” the minister stated.