Energy

The use of nuclear power and the long-term management of nuclear wastes raise many ethical issues. The United Church believes that people must learn to draw on energy sources in ways that do not damage ecosystems or compromise the capacity of the Earth to meet the needs of current or future generations.

We also believe that energy policy in Canada should be based on clear ethical principles. It needs to shift away from expanding supply through energy megaprojects and instead focus on managing demand and developing renewable, alternative sources.
Nuclear fuel wastes must therefore be seen as part of

• interconnected problems in the nuclear fuel cycle
• the international problem of nuclear wastes, particularly in the context of Canada's export sales
• the risks growing military applications for nuclear materials
• the question of the future of nuclear power

Information and Action

• Summary of United Church of Canada Policy on Nuclear Energy [PDF: 4 pp/33 KB]
  This summary identifies the main concerns the United Church has expressed for over 30 years about nuclear energy issues.
• Call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry on Nuclear Power [PDF: 1 p/123 KB]
  Written shortly after the disaster at Fukushima, Japan, this letter from the United Church to partners calls on the Canadian government to establish a forum where ordinary Canadians can debate the risks, benefits, and ethics of nuclear power.

Workshops for Faith Communities

• Always Changing, Forever Yours [PDF: 35 pp/416 KB]
  Three workshop outlines focused on the complex ethical issues related to nuclear fuel production and use. Includes reference materials.
• Nuclear Waste Workshop Leader's Guide [PDF: 45 pp/712 KB]
  Background for workshop leaders on church policy as well as guidance, scientific references, and additional resources.

Submission to Darlington Review Panel

• Final Comments to the Darlington New Nuclear Plants Joint Review Panel-Commission
  The Rev. Dr. Vicki Obedkoff of Toronto made a presentation on April 1, 2011, followed by this final submission in May, to the panel reviewing whether to create a new nuclear plant in Darlington, Ontario. She names concerns the United Church has about the ecological and economic impact of nuclear power on present and future life on Earth.

Submissions to the NWMO

The church has made submissions to the Government of Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) which is considering options for the storage of the radioactive, toxic wastes generated by nuclear power.

View the complete submissions to the Nuclear Waste Management Organization:

• United Church of Canada General Comments on Nuclear Wastes and the Work of NWMO (December 2004) [PDF: 35 pp/287 KB]
• Commentary on a United Church of Canada Ethical Lens for Viewing the Problem of Nuclear Wastes  (March 2005) [PDF: 15 pp/73 KB]
• Letter to Prime Minister Martin (November 2005)
  The response of the United Church to the NWMO report, "Choosing a Way Forward: The Future Management of Canada's Used Nuclear Fuel."

For more information, contact:

• Joy Kennedy
  Program Coordinator, Poverty, Wealth, and Ecological Justice
  Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4069
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4069
  E-mail: Joy Kennedy