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Publicatie Laka-bibliotheek:
The canadian nuclear program: safe... (1976)

Auteur	J.A.L.Robertson, AECL
Datum	augustus 1976
Classificatie	3.02.0.00/09 (CANADA - ALGEMEEN)
Voorkant

THE CANADIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM: SAFE AND SOUND
by J.A. L. Robertson

THE DEBATE AND THE ISSUES

In energy policy, as in other public affairs, an informed and constructive opposition 
is most valuable. The public must form its judgements from the debate between 
proponents and opponents. Unfortunately, the nuclear debate in Canada is becoming 
increasingly polarized just when agreement and action are needed, and the media 
often seem more interested in promoting confrontation than resolving issues. 
Articles talking of "Armageddon" and "Apocalypse" are surely not seeking a 
rational debate.Here I hope to show why nuclear proponents, no less moral or 
ethical than their critics, advocate nuclear power as a safe and sound contribution
to Canada's energy needs. I am for nuclear power because I favour conservation
and protection of the environment.
The issues that seem to be causing real public concern over nuclear power are:
- Reactor safety
- Radioactive releases
- Radioactive wastes
- Plutonium hazards, and
- Uranium supplies

Critics claim that nuclear power will lead to a vulnerable centralized society, but 
nuclear-electric systems need be no more vulnerable nor centralized than the hydro-
electric systems that have allowed rural Canadians to enjoy decentralized living. The 
proliferation of nuclear weapons is a very serious world problem; but a problem that 
existed before nuclear power and would continue to exist even if nuclear power 
ceased. Any state wanting nuclear weapons can obtain them more easily by means 
other than power reactors.
Results from California's "nuclear initiative" vote suggest appreciable opposition to 
nuclear power in that state. However, the wording of the resolution was such that the 
requirements demanded of nuclear power could not be satisfied by either coal-fired 
or geothermal plants. Last summer's Harris Poll for the whole of the US showed 63% 
of the public for nuclear power, and only 19% against. A similar attitude was found 
in a survey by Ontario Hydro of residents of the North Shore of Lake Huron.

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