The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC) achieved a significant win towards a nuclear energy strategy. Over 250 delegates from chambers of commerce and boards of trade, from coast to coast to coast representing 175,000 businesses of all sizes, in all sectors of the economy and in all regions, debated and referred the GOCC resolution to the Canadian Chamber Board of Directors to ensure that Canada has a Nuclear Energy Strategy included as part of the “Canadian Sustainable Energy Strategy” announced at the Victoria Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on October 5, 2009.

GOCC concluded that for Canada to continue to play a leading role in the global nuclear industry, the key stakeholders in the nuclear manufacturing industry have a responsibility to work with all levels of government in Canada to create a more favorable climate for investment. The nuclear industry is in need of stable, predictable planning and regulatory regime to remain viable.

The recommendations, supported by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, call upon the Federal Government in consultation with all stakeholders (i.e. business, education and labour) including the provinces and territories to ensure that Canada has a Nuclear Energy Strategy that will continue to provide jobs, investment and economic strength for the Canadian economy in the coming decades.

“The Chamber realizes the resurgence of nuclear provides a global opportunity for Canada and could provide thousands of highly skilled, well paying, long-term jobs. In these economic times, we need to uncover opportunities for Canada’s workforce”, explains Bob Malcolmson, CEO of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. “It is investment in a fast growing business where Canada can be a world leader competing effectively with others once we have demonstrated the technology. The Canadian government must fully understand the economic impact to the Canadian business sector that directly and indirectly relies on the nuclear industry to sustain their economy. The government must also understand and address the impact any change will have on, manufacturing, job creation as well as the building, shipping, and the transportation industry”.

To turn these opportunities into jobs, economic growth and securing a global leadership position for Canada, we must put in place a nuclear energy strategy.