April 25, 2006

McGuinty softens stand on nuclear

TORONTO

Comments from Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty last week may indicate a swing in favour of a huge construction boom in nuclear power plants.

McGuinty said nuclear power may be the best option to fulfill Ontario’s future electricity needs, despite its obvious downsides — including Chornobyl-type accidents and the need to store radioactive waste.

“That’s an issue,” he said of the risks associated with nuclear power, including the devastating Chornobyl accident in 1986 that led to thousands of deaths.

“But I think we should look at our particular history in this country,” McGuinty added, noting there has been a great safety record in Ontario, where nuclear stations have been operating safely for two decades.

McGuinty’s government is about to issue a formal response to recommendations that called for $40 billion in nuclear refurbishments and expansions in the province over the next 20 years to ensure Ontario has an adequate electricity supply.

“We should remain very sober when it comes to considering our various energy alternatives,” McGuinty said.

CANADIAN PRESS

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