By Jamie Hyland
Halifax, NS — In a significant policy shift, Tim Houston’s Nova Scotia government has introduced legislation aimed at repealing the longstanding ban on uranium exploration and mining within the province. This move is part of a broader strategy to align with national and international commitments to expand nuclear energy capacity as a means to combat climate change.
Premier Tim Houston has been vocal about the need to reassess Nova Scotia’s resource development policies. In response to the recent legislative changes, he stated, “With the economic challenges we face right now as a country and as a province, it’s time to pull every lever that we have. We’re rich in resources and we can develop them safely, so it’s time to have that discussion and move forward.
Historical Context of the Uranium Ban
Nova Scotia’s prohibition on uranium exploration dates back to the early 1980s. Initially established as a moratorium during the 1981 provincial election, the ban was fully legislated in 2009 under the Uranium Exploration and Mining Prohibition Act. The primary intent was to protect public health and the environment from potential risks associated with uranium mining. This legislation effectively halted any industrial activities related to uranium within the province.
The New Legislative Initiative
On February 18, 2025, the provincial government tabled an omnibus bill proposing the repeal of the Uranium Exploration and Mining Prohibition Act. The primary objective of this legislative change is to facilitate government-led research to accurately assess the province’s uranium resources. It’s important to note that, even with the repeal, all industrial activities concerning uranium will remain prohibited under an existing ministerial order within the Mineral Resources Act. This ensures that while research is conducted, commercial exploration and mining are still restricted.
Natural Resources and Renewables Minister, Honourable Tory Rushton emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, “Canada is one of 31 countries that signed a declaration to triple nuclear energy by 2050 – it is a key tool in the fight against climate change. We can create jobs, make our economy more resilient to future threats, and join the global fight against climate change.”
National and Global Commitments to Nuclear Energy
Canada has been a prominent player in the global nuclear energy sector. In December 2023, during the COP28 conference in Dubai, Canada, alongside 21 other nations, pledged to work towards tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. This commitment underscores the role of nuclear power as a reliable and low-carbon energy source essential for achieving net-zero emissions.
Currently, approximately 15% of Canada’s electricity is generated from nuclear power, with 17 reactors primarily located in Ontario providing about 12.7 gigawatts of power capacity. The federal government has outlined plans to expand this capacity through the development of new large-scale nuclear facilities and small modular reactors (SMRs).
Implications for Nova Scotia
The legislative amendment in Nova Scotia is poised to have several implications:
- Economic Opportunities: By lifting the ban, the province can conduct comprehensive research to determine the viability of uranium resources. If substantial deposits are found, this could attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
- Energy Security and Sustainability: Developing local uranium resources could contribute to Canada’s nuclear fuel supply chain, enhancing energy security and supporting the transition to low-carbon energy solutions.
- Environmental and Health Considerations: While the current focus is on research, any future move towards commercial mining would necessitate rigorous environmental assessments and the implementation of best practices to mitigate potential health and environmental risks.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Conversely, environmental groups have raised concerns. The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) issued a statement expressing shock over the government’s intention to alter legislation related to fracking and uranium mining. They emphasized the need for thorough public consultations and comprehensive environmental impact assessments before any such activities are permitted.
Nova Scotia’s move to repeal the ban on uranium exploration marks a pivotal shift in the province’s resource development policy. While the immediate focus is on enabling research to assess uranium potential, this initiative aligns with broader national and international efforts to expand nuclear energy capacity as a strategy to combat climate change. Balancing economic opportunities with environmental stewardship and public health considerations will be crucial as the province navigates this complex and evolving landscape.
