Nuclear Advocates Unite for Nuclear Hill Day in Ottawa

By: Matt Mairinger

On October 28^th and October 29^th North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), Women in Nuclear (WiN), Canadian Nuclear Workers Council, and industry representatives came together for the Canadian Nuclear Association’s (CNA) Nuclear Hill Day in Ottawa, Ontario. Sunday included a discussion of the overview of the political climate in Ottawa as well as an overview of important bills currently in senate such as bill C-68 and bill C-69.

October 29^th had a full agenda with 13 teams assembled with 3-4 members on a team. Each team would visit with MPs/ministers/senators from all political parties with the goal of informing the politicians about nuclear power and sharing the passion the individuals have in the industry. There were six representatives from North American Young Generation in Nuclear from the Bruce Power, UOIT, Mississauga, Durham and Chalk River chapter.

Matthew Mairinger, NAYGN Canadian Affairs Chair, stated that “It was great to participate in the nuclear hill day organized by CNA and have the opportunity to share the opinions of young professionals with politicians. The largest hurdle for nuclear acceptance is education, so speaking directly with policy makers is a great stride forward to ensure that clean energy through nuclear is part of Canada’s long term energy future.”

Dan Arnold, Mina Shinouda, Matthew Mairinger, Osama Baig, Owen Marshall-Glew

Justin Hannah, Director Marketing, Strategy & External Relations – SNC-Lavalin; the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Milton MP; Matthew Mairinger, NAYGN Canadian Affairs Chair & Senior Advisor Stakeholder Relations – OPG; Jennifer Rowe, SVP Corporate Affairs – OPG; Mike Glade, LVP Bruce – Society of United Professionals

David Shier – National Director Canadian Nuclear Workers Council; Katherine Ward – VP Communications, Canada SNC Lavalin; Senator David Adams Richards; Alanna Favretto, NAYGN Bruce member

Mina Shinouda, NAYGN Mississauga member; Dave Van Kestern, Chatham-Kent—Leamington MP; Andrew Thiele, Strategist, Government & Stakeholder Relations – Bruce Power; Rebecca Caron, Society of United Professionals unit director

Alanna Favretto, a NAYGN Bruce member, stated that “participating in the CNA hill day was very rewarding.  Informing government stakeholders on the nuclear industry, especially challenging stereotypes and myths about the industry, was an amazing opportunity.  The day also provided the chance to learn from senior industry leaders and provided me with experiences and ideas that I will take back and share with the NAYGN Bruce Chapter.”

Osama Baig, former NAYGN UOIT president, stated “CNA’s Hill Day arranged a platform to discuss with Members of Parliament Canada’s Nuclear industry and its contributions towards fighting climate change, supplying lifesaving radioisotopes to millions worldwide, trailblazing progressive SMR technology and facilitating NAYGN’s role in sparking a  nuclear renaissance.”

Dan Arnold, NAYGN Chalk River advocacy & activism co-chair, stated “through the cooperation of many NAYGN chapters, WiN, Industry, Labour and of course CNA I enjoyed a tremendous day learning from amazing nuclear professionals while making a positive lasting impression about nuclear on our elected officials.”

Mina Shinouda, NAYGN Mississauga member, stated “It was an insightful experience being part of CNA’s Hill day representing NAYGN in interacting with industry stakeholders and making our voices heard.”