Public knowledge and support for SMRs

Abstract

Canada’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Action Plan (2019) envisions mobilizing and integrating industry, academic institutions, research laboratories, and governments in a constructive dialogue. While many postulate, opine, and guess as to how to mobilize and integrate dialogue, advance understanding and learning surrounding SMRs, there is a lack of science informing communications. Key issues include the subject and content of communications, the mechanism by which communication is delivered, and who provides and delivers such information. Qualitative and quantitative research provides clear direction surrounding communications based on focus groups and a 2019-2020 representative survey with Saskatchewan and Ontario residents. Targeted communication by age, geographical location, Indigeneity, and occupation is advised. The medium of communication (social media, scientific journals, newspapers etc.) also determine communications. Lastly, who should communicate, if determined by trust, would be scientists, researchers, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (in that order). These groups were identified as highly trusted, and less so politicians, government and industry.