(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in Canada are open to enhancing their nuclear power capabilities, but voice concerns over potential hazards, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 50 per cent of respondents support building more nuclear power stations in Canada, while 35 per cent are opposed.

More than 60 per cent of respondents are very concerned or moderately concerned about nuclear waste management, an accident at a nuclear power plant, health risks for communities that are close to a power station, and nuclear technology falling into the hands of extremists.

There are 18 functioning nuclear power reactors in Canada, which supply approximately 14 per cent of the country’s electricity needs.

Canadian corporation Bruce Power has identified Peace River in Alberta as a potential site for a new nuclear power plant, and has also engaged in "preliminary discussions" with the government of Saskatchewan about the possibility of building a nuclear plant in the province.

On May 29, Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper discussed his views on nuclear energy, saying, "As the largest producer of uranium, we can contribute to the renaissance of nuclear energy, a no-emissions source that will be expanding (...) around the world."

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose building more nuclear power stations in Canada?

How concerned are you about each of the following?
("Very concerned" and "Moderately concerned" answers only)

Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,006 Canadian adults, conducted on Jun. 3 and Jun. 4, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

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