The Canadian Nuclear Association

6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 8 THE CANADI AN NUCLEAR ASSOC I AT ION when it comes to deploying new nuclear technologies – something Gorman admits is essential in ensuring the expansion of the industry. He notes, “Historically, misinformation, stigma, and fear around nuclear have created a complex history and narrative that, until recently, was difficult to counter. However, climate change has brought nuclear back into the conversation as the public and stakeholders worldwide become better attuned to the climate crisis and the need to decarbonize quickly. People are actively looking to understand their options, and that has provided an opportunity for the nuclear industry to engage in the discussion factually and talk about the positive story around nuclear.” This shift in public perception among Canadians reflects at a national level, with Canada being one of the few developed nations in the world with aggressive decarbonization goals underpinned by radical changes to climate policies like setting ambitious carbon pricing and supporting the countrywide implementation of SMR technologies. “SMRs, especially, have provided our industry a critical platform to engage and interest the public,” says Gorman. “We are telling people, hey, the nuclear industry is innovating and creating next-generation reactors, and this has become a new avenue to rediscover the facts behind nuclear and the main reason behind growing public and stakeholder support for nuclear in Canada.” Despite the fresh impetus SMRs have injected into the nuclear industry in Canada, the industry is facing a bottleneck that could slow it down despite its newfound status as a green energy source. “As a collective electricity and energy industry, we recognize that a talent shortage could hinder our country’s potential to transform and transition energy systems,” Gorman admits. “We need more young people entering the energy sector if we will succeed in