ESTEVAN — The provincial and federal governments have announced a new partnership to help Saskatchewan-based companies prepare for nuclear supply chain needs
The announcement was made April 7 at the Southeast Techhub in Estevan in front of elected officials and other community leaders.
Buckley Belanger, the federal Secretary of State for Rural Development, on behalf of Eleanor Olszewski – the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada – announced $625,100 in federal support for the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers’ Association Inc. (SIMSA), the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), and Southeast Techhub (SETH).
A press release from the federal government said this suppcreate xpost: ort will help advance nuclear supply chains in Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan is contributing $286,000 through Crown Investments Corporation.
The federal press release says Saskatchewan’s nuclear energy potential stems from its capacity in research, testing and natural resources, especially uranium. The nuclear sector will create opportunities for businesses specializing in a range of activities, from SMR design and engineering to component manufacturing, plant construction and operations, and specialized services such as quality assurance and environmental management.
The announcement will help Saskatchewan businesses enhance their capacity to participate in Canada’s nuclear energy sector by informing and educating local companies about supply chain opportunities in the nuclear industry; facilitating connections between Saskatchewan businesses and vendors in the nuclear supply chain; and developing micro-credentials and accreditation support to meet industry standards.
“From northern mines to communities large and small, our government’s investment in Saskatchewan’s nuclear supply chain will bring highly skilled jobs, new opportunities, and contribute to building a more resilient and reliable energy grid across our province. When we invest in Saskatchewan’s nuclear sector, we are also investing in Canada’s economic and energy sovereignty,” said Belanger.
“Working alongside SIMSA and Southeast Techhub, OCNI is pleased to be helping Saskatchewan businesses develop the know-how, connections and credentials they need to enter, grow, and compete in the nuclear supply chain. With this investment from the Government of Canada, we can help more local companies participate in nuclear energy projects at home, across Canada, and internationally, strengthening the workforce, supporting good jobs, and delivering long-term economic value for Saskatchewan,” said Ivette Vera-Perez, the president and CEO of OCNI.
“Southeast Techhub exists to advance rural innovation by connecting industry, education and communities around emerging energy opportunities. This project accelerates that mission by helping rural Southeast Saskatchewan businesses gain the knowledge, standards, and networks required to enter the nuclear supply chain with confidence,” said SETH executive director Gordon More.
In a news release, the Government of Saskatchewan said the funding helps ensure Saskatchewan’s workforce and supply chains are ready to lead nuclear development.
Thermal assets have long been a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s energy system and a source of pride for the skilled workers, businesses and communities across this province. Tradespeople and supply chain partners play a critical role in keeping the province powered, the news release said, and the provincial government says it remains committed to supporting thermal power generation assets and homegrown workforce as the province and people plan for a nuclear future, powered by Saskatchewan uranium.
As the province advances toward nuclear energy, the government says it is essential that local businesses and workers be prepared to lead in the development of Saskatchewan’s nuclear industry.
“Our government is committed to building a nuclear future that ensures energy reliability, affordability and economic opportunity,” Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “A future that will use our world-class uranium resources while keeping the work and the benefits here at home. As we develop nuclear energy, we will prioritize Saskatchewan’s skilled trades, businesses and supply chains to ensure local workers and companies are leading the way toward a secure energy future for every person in this great province.”
SIMSA represents more than 380 Saskatchewan-based suppliers across the industrial, mining and energy sectors, with some of its members already nuclear-accredited with nearly half expressing an interest in beginning the accreditation process.
“SIMSA’s over 380 member companies will benefit from this program, as it will enable them to gather the knowledge, credentials and connections to become part of the nuclear supply chain for projects in Saskatchewan and beyond,” SIMSA executive director Eric Anderson said.
With funding from the Government of Saskatchewan, SIMSA continues to deliver workshops, training and educational programming to build business capacity and readiness in nuclear technology.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is grateful to the federal government and to [federal Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP] Buckley Belanger for his leadership and partnership in ensuring Saskatchewan businesses are included in funding to grow Canada’s nuclear energy sector,” Harrison said. “Together, we are positioning Saskatchewan’s skilled trades and supply chain to advance Canada’s future as an energy superpower, a future that starts right here – in Saskatchewan.”
More to come.
