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Web Extra: Stop Saskatchewan’s Nuclear Reactor

The plan for a nuclear reactor that will help generate power for tar sands extraction is facing serious public opposition.

From the magazine

THE EFFORT TO HALT plans for a nuclear reactor in Saskatchewan that could help power tar sands extraction is heating up. Public opposition has kept large reactors off the table in the uranium-rich province, but the provincial government signed a $10-million deal with Hitachi Ltd. in August 2011, which proposes to build a small reactor on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon.

From the magazine

THE EFFORT TO HALT plans for a nuclear reactor in Saskatchewan that could help power tar sands extraction is heating up. Public opposition has kept large reactors off the table in the uranium-rich province, but the provincial government signed a $10-million deal with Hitachi Ltd. in August 2011, which proposes to build a small reactor on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon. The creators of a petition against the project (on Avaaz.org) argue that even a small reactor would pose big problems, and they’re working on a public education campaign about nuclear power and its corporate interests. To complement the petition, an event featuring famed anti-nuclear advocate Helen Caldicott is planned for this autumn, and a conference on uranium life cycles for June 2013.

More on the emerging debate

While the province of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon are looking to build a small reactor to be used for research on nuclear science and medicine, D’Arcy Hande and others opposing the project have traced its roots to reveal what they say is a long-term plan to power the tar sands with so-called “green” nuclear power. Check out the articles below to learn more.

The Dominion, August 27, 2012
Green Bitumen?! Nuclear reactors in the tar sands

Briarpatch Magazine, February 28, 2012
Follow the yellowcake road: Nuclear power, tarsands extraction, and the co-option of the University of Saskatchewan

The Globe and Mail, Aug. 23 2012
Saskatchewan launches nuclear centre, hopes to lead research in Western Canada

CBC News, August 25, 2011
Nuclear reactor research part of $10M deal

University of Saskatchewan, March 3, 2011
U of S receives funding to establish nuclear research centre

The HUESSS Campaign presented…

Dr. Helen Caldicott, Our Toxic Nuclear Legacy: Let’s End Saskatchewan’s Growing Radioactive Footprint

Dr. Caldicott was in Saskatoon on Wednesday and Thursday, October 31 and November 1, 2012. Among several public commitments, she spoke at Third Avenue United Church at 7:30 PM, November 1, on “Our Toxic Nuclear Legacy: Let’s END Saskatchewan’s Growing Radioactive Footprint.” Her talk focused on the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. 

Laura is a past A\J managing editor. She has an MA in Communication Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, is an organizing aficionado, lackadaisical gardener, and former musical theatre producer. @inhabitings