The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the Ontario Government’s decision to delay its plans to build new nuclear generating facilities. The OCC has expressed its concerns in a letter to George Smitherman, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
The letter outlines a number of key points:
- While fiscal prudence is important, Ontario’s long term economic future is potentially at risk;
- Ontario’s energy strategy relies on new nuclear power, however there is now no plan plan in place to build new nuclear plants;
- While the current economic downturn may have supressed energy demand in the province, we must plan for the future economic recovery;
- Ontario’s prosperity and economic well-being depend on continued access to abundant, reliable and affordable energy supplies;
- Nuclear power should remain at least 50% of the supply mix in Ontario;
- The provincial and federal governments should work together to expedite discussions to determine AECL’s future.
