Should Alberta be Kept Free of Nuclear Power? (Part 1)

The wheels have been set in motion to build western Canada’s first nuclear power plant. Bruce Power Alberta bought the assets of Energy Alberta Corporation and filed an application with the federal government to build a nuclear power plant earlier this year. On the same day, Bruce Power Alberta also filed an application with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to prepare a site for the construction of this nuclear power plant. The proposed plant would be built on private land next to Lac Cardinal Lake, about 30 kilometres west of Peace River and about 480 kilometres northwest of Edmonton Bruce Power Alberta is planning to build up to four reactors that could produce 4,000 megawatts of electricity. Proponents say this could generate enough “carbon-free” electricity to supply up to two million homes with power. Opponents point to a severe risk of radioactive contamination of the Grimshaw Aquifer, the Peace River water system, and rich agricultural land of the region. Residents have serious concerns about human and animal health, and foresee problems with long term storage of nuclear waste. Speaker: Adele Boucher Rymhs Adele Boucher Rymhs is a former teacher and businesswoman, and was a partner in farming and bison ranching for many years. She served on the Executive of the Peace River Board of Trade, was President of Peace Country Bison Association, and on the local Museum Board. Boucher Rymhs ran for election as the NDP candidate in Peace River in the recent federal election. Her platform strongly supported concerns for the environment and sustainable alternatives to nuclear power. Adele was also a candidate in the March 2008 provincial election, carrying the Nuclear Free banner. Adele Boucher Rymhs serves as Secretary of “Citizens Against Nuclear Development” (CAND), a group of over 250 residents near the proposed nuclear site at Grimshaw, AB. She is also V.P. of “Nuclear Free Alberta” and a member of the Peace River Environmental Society. N.B. IF YOU CAN''T MAKE SACPA AT NOON ON NOV 13, THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL SACPA-ON-CAMPUS SESSION FEATURING ADELE BOUCHER RYHMS AT 7:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, NOV 12 AT THE U OF L''S ANDERSON HALL, ROOM AH 116. FREE ADMISSION, COFFEE AND SNACKS.