The Honourable Glen…

The Honourable Glen Thibeault

Minister of Energy

4th Floor, Hearst Block

900 Bay Street

Toronto, ON, M7A 2E1

The Honourable Michael Chan

Minister of International Trade

18th Floor, 777 Bay Street

Toronto, ON, M7A 1N3

The Honourable Brad Duguid

Minister of Economic Development and Growth

8th Floor, Hearst Block

900 Bay Street

Toronto, ON, M7A 2E1

Dear Ministers,

I am pleased to share with you the enclosed report entitled, “Driving Economic Growth & Keeping The Air Clean.” This report highlights the importance of nuclear power in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Region. Nuclear Power is a reliable source of affordable, clean energy for families and businesses across this binational region. It powers the economy through jobs and investment, and keeps the air we breathe clean.  This report is also being provided as an input to the currently LTEP Review process and as such will be provided to the Environmental Registry as part of this consultation process.

The report summarizes and highlights the important role that nuclear energy will continue to play in the region. As part of a modern, balanced electricity system, nuclear energy is a critical component of public policies to grow the economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region consists of eight states and two provinces, many of which rely on nuclear energy to power their economies in an environmentally conscious manner. In fact, this region relies on nuclear for 30 per cent of their electricity and 50 per cent of their non-emitting electricity supply. Nuclear power produces zero carbon emissions while generating the same reliable and affordable base load, setting it apart from other sources.

Assuming the refurbishment schedule proceeds accordingly, as per Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP), Bruce Power will continue to supply two-thirds of Ontario’s nuclear energy for decades to come. Through securing the sustainability of the Bruce Power site, the long-term, annual economic impact of the facility will result in 22,000 direct and indirect jobs; $4 billion will also be generated towards Ontario’s economy through direct and indirect spending, such as: labour income, operational equipment, supplies, and materials. The upcoming refurbishment of six Bruce Power reactors will itself inject nearly $1B into the region’s economy on an annual basis.

In addition, the refurbishment of the four Darlington nuclear units owned by Ontario Power Generation, which will span 10 years and will secure 3,500 megawatts of affordable, reliable and emissions-free power, will contribute a total of $90 billion to Ontario’s GDP and increase employment by an average of 14,200 jobs annually, including over 2,600 jobs onsite at Darlington.

I appreciate your consideration in regard to this report and its content. The Council of the Great Lakes Region and its industry partners, including Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation and the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, share a common belief that such a reliable and clean electricity system will truly benefit the economy. There is no single, well-established project, facility or infrastructure project in the province that will have such significant economic impacts as the refurbishment of Ontario’s nuclear fleet.

Sincerely,

Mark Fisher

President and CEO

Cc:Members of Provincial Parliament, Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Mr. Bruce Campbell, President and CEO, IESO

[Original Comment ID: 206622]