Public Engagement Forum: The Future of Nuclear in Canada – FREE TO ATTEND

 

When: March 5, 2025 • 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: Agora Hall

Strathcona County Community Centre and County Hall

401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park, AB

Format: Panel Discussion + Open Q& A

Audience: Industry leaders, policymakers, government staff, and the public


SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. CLICK HERE

 

Overview: 
As Canada moves toward a low-carbon future, nuclear energy is gaining traction for its role in energy security, grid stability, and economic growth. This forum brings together experts to discuss nuclear expansion, especially in Western Canada, where it has yet to be widely adopted. With rising federal and provincial support, regulatory shifts, and advancing technology, the discussion will address nuclear integration challenges and opportunities, including cost, safety, and waste management.


Key Topics:

  • Nuclear’s Role in Canada’s Energy Transition – Supporting emissions reduction, economic growth, and grid reliability.
  • Industry & Government Collaboration – Aligning policies and investments for nuclear deployment.
  • Public Perception & Engagement – Addressing concerns and ensuring transparency.
  • Economic & Workforce Impact – Job creation, investment, and innovation.
  • Policy & Regulation – Federal and provincial roles in advancing nuclear in Western Canada.Next Steps – Key actions to make nuclear a viable energy source.

meet the presenters

MODERATOR

Desiree Norwegian

Manager, Indigenous Relations, AECON

 

Desiree Norwegian is a member of Liidlii Kue First Nation, she is part of the Dene clan from Northwest Territories.  Desiree graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration with a specialization in accounting along with obtaining a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

 

Desiree’s is currently working as the Manager, Indigenous Relations for Aecon in their nuclear division and is driving her passion for Indigenous engagement, rights, equality and reconciliation, gender diversity, and teach/talk about building a cleaner energy future and the huge advantage that nuclear power plays in our society (green power, medical isotopes, small & advanced modular reactors, and great careers in stem & skilled trades).

 

Desiree’s experience as a business owner in the nuclear sector and all the work she has done to bridge the gap between industry and Indigenous communities is a huge asset to the Aecon team and she is currently leading the way by carving a path within their projects for more Indigenous participation/inclusion through education, equity, employment, and business opportunities/partnerships.

 

Desiree’s passion and strong desire to make a difference for our generation and for the next seven generations has led her to advising on provincial and federal policy and sitting on many non-for-profit boards such as, Canadian Council of Indigenous Business (CCIB) and Build a Dream, she also is a Board of Director for Canadian Nuclear Laboratory.


Joanne Jacyk

Director, Site Selection Ignace/Northwest,

Nuclear Waste Management Association

 

Joanne is an environmental engineer who’s been with the NWMO for 13 years. She previously served as manager of the organization’s environment program, a role NWMO said has well-prepared her for her new position.

 

Among her strengths, the organization cited Jacyk’s ability to work with communities to ensure they are directly involved in information-gathering and decision-making.


Steven Coupland

President,

SGC Research

 

 

Steve Coupland is an independent consultant focused on helping non-emitting technologies navigate the complex relationships between government, industry and Canada's regulatory processes needed to bring projects to completion.

 

Previously Steve spent over 20 years with Bruce Power as a Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs and the company's point person in Ottawa. In addition, some of his time was seconded to the Canadian Nuclear Association, where he served as the Director for Regulatory and Environmental Affairs where he was the lead spokesman for the nuclear industry on climate change initiatives, impact assessment and matters relating to the Canadian Nuclear Association.

 

Prior to joining the nuclear industry, Steve spent 15 years as a political staffer including roles as a Director in the Prime Minister's Office, Senior Advisor in Finance and Industry Science and Technology in addition to being Director of Organization and Director of Tour for a national political party.


Terry Ungarian

Reeve, Ward 6

County of Northern Lights

 

 

I was born in Manning in northwest Alberta and raised on my parent's farm north of there in the Hotchkiss area.  I took over the farm in the mid 70’s and together with my wife Louise of 47 years, we continue to live on the original farm.  We have 4 adult children who all live in various parts of Alberta along with our 6 grandchildren.  Although our farming operation has been somewhat scaled down, we still run a herd of beef cattle and produce hay.  I was first elected to the municipal council for the County of Northern Lights in 2010 and have served on council since then until present.  I have been appointed Reeve by fellow council members for the past 8 years now and I am passionate to work towards economic growth and dealing with the challenges that arise.  We are a diverse municipality with forestry, agriculture and oil & gas industry being our main economic drivers but there are more opportunities that await and we need to be prepared for.  I am honoured to chair the recently formed Regional Energy Committee that represents 5 municipalities in our region.