Why Nuclear Energy Matters for Young Canadians

With the new federal budget released, growing tariffs, and billions invested into small modular reactors (SMRs), which are kind of like mini transportable nuclear plants, nuclear energy is suddenly looking like one of the safest career bets for young Canadians.

Ontario’s Nuclear Investment

Ontario is at the forefront of all of this. On October 23^rd, the provincial government vowed to invest $1 billion to help build four SMRs in Bowmanville, Ontario, while the federal government added another $2 billion in subsidies.

This nuclear project will set Canada apart from international competition and will make Ontario an energy superpower in the near future. We are now the first country within the G7 on track to deploy SMRs, which will contribute an estimated $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over 65 years and will help power 1.2 million homes.

More importantly for students and young Canadians, this investment has paved the way for a wave of new job opportunities, including 18,000 new jobs during construction, and another 3,700 jobs once things are up and running.

While this project will support Canada’s energy supply internally for the future, it is important to note that this will also open Canada up to a whole new export market.

Earlier this month, Stephen Lecce, the minister of energy and mines for Ontario, was able to expand Canada’s nuclear footprint by supporting a new agreement between OPG (Ontario Power Generation: a provincially owned energy company) and Belgium to explore the deployment of Canadian made SMRs in Europe.

With other similar agreements lined up with Poland and Estonia, Canadian nuclear expertise is now a global demand.

But what does this mean for young Canadians?

A lot.

SMRs require a massive skilled workforce to construct, operate, and maintain the machinery. The demand for these workers has seen an exponential boom in recent years, and if Canada remains on this track, it will only continue to grow.

According to a 2024 study conducted by the Canadian Nuclear Association, there has been a 17% increase over the last five years of Nuclear Energy workers. Education programs within Canada (Ontario specifically), have already began adapting to this demand forecast.

For example, universities such as Ontario Tech and Humber college are expanding their nuclear programs for students, making room for thousands of new student opportunities within the industry.

Young Canadians are now able to confidently step into a workforce that is desperate for talent and expertise.

On an even more positive note, Bruce Power (Canada’s largest nuclear power facility), is currently in the impact assessment phase of their new proposed Bruce C project. This project will expand their existing nuclear site to pave room for additional energy generation capacity. With the project estimated to complete in 2030, the operation will require a workforce of 20,000 per year during construction, and 12,000 full time jobs once operations commence. This completed project would also contribute nearly $200 million to Canada’s GDP over its lifetime.

Canada’s investment into the nuclear industry is not only reshaping our nation’s energy future but is also creating a strong future for thousands of workers across the country.

As a third-year student at Western University, I’ve noticed firsthand how many students are now considering nuclear energy as a long-term career path. Things are looking up.

So, if you’re a young Canadian and are wondering where your future lies, look to the industry Canada is powering up for the next generation and beyond.