The United States and Canada strengthen links to promote nuclear leadership
North American leaders and energy executives are deepening cross-border cooperation to re-enable nuclear power, positioning the United States and Canada as strategic partners in global energy security.
At the Midwest Legislative Conference in Saskatoon, participants from both countries emphasized the importance of nuclear energy as a clean and reliable solution to the growing demand for power, especially as the growing competition.
“Let us coordinate economic and security interests through this incredible collaboration between Canada and the United States, and we will be able to dominate globally,” said John Gorman, Canada President of Westinghouse Canada.
Gorman pointed out that while the United States remains the current leader in operating nuclear reactors, this position may be challenged by the pace of development in countries such as China.
Canada’s uranium reserves, especially in Saskatchewan, are highlighted as key assets in the nuclear supply chain.
Saskatchewan Prime Minister Scott Moe said: “The number of reactors needed not only in North America, but around the world…all these manufacturing industries, those supply chains, ongoing services, fuel are all from North America.”
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Executives also addressed efforts to reduce dependence on foreign sources of enriched uranium.
“We’ve already had uranium from here, we’ve converted it in Ontario…We’re in the enrichment in Wilmington, North Carolina,” said Tim Gitzel, CEO of Cameco.
“The United States needs to be rich. Why? Because we have handed it all over the past 25 years to Russia and the Chinese. They are currently handing us our lunch. We have to get it back.”
Despite growing interest, concerns over high costs and longer construction timelines remain. Minnesota Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart raised questions about affordability after the U.S. nuclear program far exceeded its original budget.
“I do agree that we need to introduce more nuclear energy. But the last nuclear plant built in the United States was initially estimated at $14 billion, eventually costing $35 billion and having a seven-year surpass,” Stewart said.
Leaders acknowledge that regulatory reforms will be the key to accelerating deployment without compromising security or public trust.
“We have only 14 years now…build the nuclear reactor Greenfield,” Moe said.
Despite the challenges, officials at the summit pointed out that the strategic importance of energy independence is broader.
“You make sure your energy is safe and not rely on innocent countries or unfriendly countries … This is the biggest opportunity for us as Canadians and Americans to truly determine our own future,” Moe said.
& Copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
