The presentation of nuclear energy production in Saskatchewan news

Abstract

Since 2019, when the province of Saskatchewan signed an interprovincial MOU to collaborate on the development of small modular reactors to combat climate change, nuclear has been in the news in Saskatchewan. Our paper examines the presentation of nuclear in Saskatchewan news reports, looking specifically at how nuclear is presented by government and industry, what the concerns and criticisms of nuclear are raised by the public, and where entrenched ideas of the benefits and dangers of nuclear energy production are causing experts and the public to talk past one another. By analyzing the discourse (the stories being told) around nuclear in Saskatchewan news, we have identified the key stories being presented in favour of nuclear energy production to Saskatchewan, as well as the key stories being presented by those who oppose the addition of nuclear. Drawing on the study of rational and affective beliefs from the study of risk assessment and the study of religion, our paper observes that the rational stories presented by pro-nuclear proponents—nuclear is reliable, affordable, and safe —fail to persuade those who oppose nuclear based on concerns over high costs of construction and operation, and concerns over waste. Since the rational stories about nuclear are not believed by opponents of nuclear, we hypothesize that opposition is more frequently based on affective beliefs about nuclear. For this reason, a rational refutation of anti-nuclear positions, such as nuclear has historically been safe and affordable and Canada does have a long-term plan for nuclear waste, will not change the beliefs of those who hold an affective opposition to nuclear.