Canada Calls Its Reactors Peaceful. It’s Not So Simple

[Oscar]

Canada Calls Its Reactors Peaceful. It’s Not So Simple

A venerable anti-nuclear war group says Carney’s SMR funding could fuel a new arms race.

Michael Harris - November 29, 2025 - The Tyee

EXCERPT: "IPPNW (International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War) Canada has written a passionate letter (SEE LINK below . . ) to Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre in response to the recent federal decision to fund experimental small nuclear reactors in concert with the province of Ontario. The project falls under the umbrella of the fast-track major nation-building projects referred to the newly created Major Projects Office for review.

The IPPNW wrote: “We will not dwell on the economic and environmental implications of nuclear technologies that are unproven, or the lack of adequate support for alternatives. Our focus is on the link between nuclear power and nuclear weapons and the inadequacy of the current regulatory framework to protect public health.”

The IPPNW, which won the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize for its advocacy, argues that a civilian nuclear industry provides the required scientific capacity for nuclear weapons production. “It provides material and absorbs the weapons’ waste stream,” the group wrote.

Nuclear waste is a subject that does not get much coverage. It should. The waste will remain deadly to humans for at least 10,000 years, no matter where it is disposed of. Unbelievably, it was once dumped in the ocean. Thankfully, international treaties have put an end to that obscene practice. Nor is burying it a viable option. How do you warn people about a nuclear burial site that will remain toxic to humans for 300 generations into the future? . . . ."

Letter to heads of the Government of Canada:
[ https://thetyee.ca/Documents/2025/11/27/IPPNWLetter.pdf ]

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[ https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2025/11/28/ ... ign=281125 ]