Studies & Reports
Did You Know?
By using nuclear energy to produce electricity in Canada, we potentially avoid the emission of about 90 million tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.
Canadian studies
Nuclear Research and Development in Canada
Canadian Nuclear Association
April 2011
The Canadian nuclear industry is a substantial and integral part of the Canadian economy, generating over $6.6 billion a year in economic activity, over $1.5 billion in federal and provincial revenues, and over $1.2 billion in exports in 2008. The industry sustains 71,000 direct and indirect full time jobs.
The Canadian nuclear industry is also of immense strategic importance. Canada’s CANDU heavy water reactor technology is unique and is found in electricity generation reactors around the world. The nuclear research conducted in Canada, principally at the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) and at twelve universities that are members of the University Network for Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), not only supports these made-in-Canada reactor technologies but is used by worldwide clients. It is a key component of Canada’s science, technology and manufacturing infrastructure.
Refurbishing Ontario's Nuclear Fleet a Major Economic Boost
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
July 2010
According to a report released today by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), refurbishing nuclear facilities at Bruce and Darlington will create 25,000 jobs in the next decade and inject $5 billion into the Ontario economy annually.
Review of the report: “Exposure to Radiation and Health Outcomes”
Dr Richard V. Osborne
July 16, 2009
This study examines a recent report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives conducted by Mark Lemstra who claims that workers in Canada's nuclear industry have a higher risk of cancer than those of any other nuclear industry. Dr. Richard Osborne, one of Canada's leading experts in radiation health physics provides an expert critique on the report concluding that the author of the Centre's paper made fundamental errors in science, selective use of evidence and misrepresented the statements of quoted scientific articles.
Dr. Osborne's biography can be accessed here
“Exposure to Radiation and Health Outcomes” by M. Lemstra can be accessed here
Review of the report: “Exposure to Radiation and Health Outcomes”
Dr. Douglas Chambers
August 6, 2009
This is the second study commissioned by the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) which examines a recent report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives conducted by Mark Lemstra who claims that workers in Canada's nuclear industry have a higher risk of cancer than those of any other nuclear industry.
This review was conducted by Dr. Douglas Chambers of Senes Consultants.
Dr. Chambers's views of the paper by Dr. Lemstra can be summarized by his remarks in the introduction:
“Our overall opinion is that Lemstra's review is both incomplete and misleading. We agree that it is well established that there are risks from exposure to ionizing radiation. However, the potential effects of exposure are in direct proportion to the dose from that exposure. Lemstra purports to provide an objective review of ‘evidence based epidemiology’ while in effect providing a superficial review of the literature he selects for review.”
“Exposure to Radiation and Health Outcomes” by M. Lemstra can be accessed here
Nuclear Power in Canada: A Review of a Critique
Canadian Energy Research Institute
October 2008
The environmental impact of nuclear power has been a topic of discussion for many years. In 2007, the Pembina Institute released a report which claimed to be a life cycle assessment of nuclear power. In response, the Canadian Nuclear Association asked the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) to conduct a thorough review of the Pembina paper and publish their findings. CERI discovered that the Pembina Institute had made numerous errors of both fact and methodology as outlined in this paper.
“Nuclear Power in Canada: an Examination of Risks, Impacts and Sustainability” by the Pembina Institute can be accessed here
Comparative Life Cycle Analysis of Base Load Electricity in Ontario
(Nuclear, Coal and Natural Gas)
Canadian Energy Research Institute
October 2008
Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) has conducted a rigorous Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of base load electricity generation from three alternative fuel sources: nuclear, coal and natural gas. In this study, CERI has set out to develop a rigorous analysis of the environmental and other attributes of the nuclear power generation option. The overall objective is to identify and analyze current and potential life cycle environmental impacts (GHG emissions, other air pollutants, water pollution, and radiation) of electricity generation from nuclear, coal, and natural gas. All of these fuel sources are important contributors to Canadian electricity generation and have implications for the environment.
For Executive Summary please click here (30 KB)
Economic Impact of the Nuclear Industry in Canada
Canadian Energy Research Institute
June 2008
Prepared by: Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI)
World Energy: The Past and Possible Futures - Sources of Energy and Electricity Supply around the world
Canadian Energy Research Institute
February 2008
Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) publication “World Energy: The Past and Possible Futures”. This study includes information on energy issues affecting the world and Canada. It provides a broad overview of the world's energy resources and addresses critical supply issues, the environment and the choices available to us.
Nuclear Industry Today
SECOR
October 5, 2007
A study by SECOR for the Canadian Nuclear Association compares the industry, government policy, regulatory and financial structures of the nuclear industries in leading nations around the world.
Review of the Greenpeace report: “Tritium Hazard Report: Pollution and Radiation Risk from Canadian Nuclear Facilities”
Dr. Richard Osborne,
August 2007
This analysis by Dr. Richard Osborne, one of Canada's leading radiation health physicists scientifically rebuts the claims of a report prepared for Greenpeace Canada on the hazards of tritium near the Pickering nuclear generating station. Dr. Osborne's analysis claims the hazards of tritium are greatly overstated, misrepresent fundamental science and scientific literature and that the tritium levels in the environs of Pickering in fact constitute no significant health hazard.
Prepared by: R.V. Osborne. Ranasara Consultants Inc., Deep River, Ontario
Costs of Generating Electricity
September 2006
Prepared by Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI)
Supply Mix Advice and Recommendations
Ontario Power Authority
December 2005
A summary of the Supply Mix Advice and Recommendations report.
Transforming Ontario's Power Generation Company
OPG Review Committee, Chaired by The Honourable John Manley
March 2004
Sections: Transmittal Letter | Introduction / Setting the Course | Role / Structure / Governance | Pickering | Building Success | Appendices | Recommendations
Economic Impact of the Nuclear Industry in Canada
Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI)
July 2003
COMMENTARY: Why was the cost of Ontario's Darlington plant so high?
Jeremy Whitlock, Past President of the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS), for nuclearfaq.ca
2001