BC Conservative Leader John Rustad has announced plans to overturn the province’s ban on nuclear energy to achieve energy independence, aiming to have a small nuclear reactor operational by 2035.

On Tuesday, the party unveiled its energy platform, which advocates for including nuclear power in British Columbia’s energy mix. 

“Instead of gambling our future away on ideological experiments, The Conservative Party of BC will seize the opportunity to make our province a leader in clean, affordable, and reliable energy. If a technology can help us advance these goals, it should be honestly and transparently evaluated,” said the BC Conservative policy backgrounder.

Rustad says embracing nuclear is essential for energy demands

According to Rustad, embracing nuclear energy is essential for meeting modern energy demands while minimizing environmental impact. The platform emphasizes recognition of the global scientific consensus on nuclear power’s role in achieving sustainable energy goals.

The promise of nuclear power was recently emphasized by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi ahead of COP28 earlier this year. 

“The International Panel on Climate Change, which is a gathering of the greatest and the brightest scientists from all over the world studying climate issues, has recognized that, without nuclear energy, it will be almost impossible to decarbonize by 2050,” said Grossi.

Support for nuclear on the rise

Support for this shift is backed by a recent Ipsos poll from September 2024, showing that 60% of British Columbians are open to nuclear energy. 

Rustad outlined his intention to amend the province’s Clean Energy Act, allowing for the development of nuclear power. Additionally, the BC Conservatives plan to expand the British Columbia Energy Regulator’s authority to oversee nuclear energy.

The party also committed to adding British Columbia to Canada’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Action Plan, joining other provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as the Yukon. 

Other provinces already have nuclear plans

“Ontario, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan already have small modular reactor (SMR) project plans underway. SMR can be used for on-grid power generation, heavy industry, and in remote communities that currently rely heavily on diesel,” wrote the BC Conservatives.

The goal of having an operational SMR by 2035 is dependent on thorough business analysis, seismic safety considerations, and strong public support, according to the policy document.

Additionally, Rustad pledged to overturn the BC NDP’s “radical, top-down restrictions” on natural gas heating and non-electric vehicles. 

Part of the BC Conservative program includes working with First Nations partners to further the province’s energy independence.