Updates

In 2018, Canada published a strategic plan – a roadmap – to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) across the country. An SMR is one designed to generate 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity or less, compared to Canada’s existing CANDU power reactors which generate 500 MW or more.

According to the “SMR Roadmap,” the first demonstration SMR was expected to be operating in 2026. In this milestone year, our report analyzes the financial and developmental status of the 10 SMR designs with some kind of presence in Canada.

Download or read the report HERE.

CEDAR researchers Susan O’Donnell and M.V. Ramana are finishing up a report on small modular nuclear reactors in Canada. On March 18 at 2 PM Atlantic, they will discuss their research at a webinar hosted by Nuclear Transparency Watch in Paris. Everyone welcome, more info and registration link HERE.

The CEDAR project was a co-host organizing the successful Social Forum in Wolastokuk in Fredericton in October. Research Assistants from all three CEDAR universities were engaged.

Mahus Dieuveille Samba, a Masters student in Environmental Studies at the Université de Moncton, was the CEDAR project’s photographer at the event. His photos can be viewed HERE and featured in the stories below.

Bahaar Abbas and Lilly Floerke both Masters students in University of British Columbia’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs published a reflection on their experiences at the Social Forum, HERE.

The Social Forum reflection by Liam McDougall, major in Sustanability and Environmental Studies at St. Thomas University, was published HERE by CEDAR partner, the NB Media Co-op.

The CEDAR project is currently brainstorming ideas for the project’s next in-person meeting in Fredericton in 2027. These reflections from our Research Assistants will contribute to shaping the next event.

CEDAR and partners are co-hosting a book launch in Fredericton on November 26: Bad Indians Book Club by Patty Krawec.

Drawing on conversations with readers and authors, Bad Indians Book Club delves into writing about history, science, and gender, and into memoirs and fiction, all by “Bad Indians” and those like them, whose refusal of the dominant narrative of the wemitigoozhiwag (European settlers) opens up new possibilities for identity and existence.

More info HERE.

NB Power, the public electrical utility in New Brunswick, is in a very difficult financial situation. The utility loses money almost every year, mostly due to the poor performance of the nuclear plant, and the major energy generators on its grid are either due in the next seven years for major repairs (Mactaquac hydro station), shut down (Belledune coal plant) or licence renewal (Point Lepreau nuclear plant).

What can be done about this situation? The province launched a review of NB Power in 2025. The Review Panel’s interm report, due in December 2025, has been delayed. The final report is due in March 2026.

The CEDAR project’s submission to NB Power Review team is available at the link below. CEDAR researchers believe NB Power needs a complete overhaul. Key messages:

• The energy system – climate system connection is missing
• There is a strong case against nuclear power as a climate-friendly supply option
• Investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure is “moral and economic madness”
• Global energy systems are transitioning to renewable energy, and NB Power needs to do the same
• Renewable energy investments are already signalling the way forward in New Brunswick
• Customers expect a public electrical utility they can trust; they are getting the opposite.
• NB Power is frozen in the past. The utility needs a fundamental change of direction.
  
  Read the full submission HERE.

Wolastoq Grand Council and St. Thomas University: Wabanaki Student Center, Native Studies Department, CEDAR research project, Women’s Studies and Gender Studies, and Sustainability and Environmental Studies programs invite you to join us to hear from and engage with Sherri Mitchell. More info HERE.

A Conversation with Sherri Mitchell: How to be a good relative

Lakutuwakoneyak Kilun – We are all Treaty People – We are all related 

Wednesday
Oct. 29
3 PM

St. Thomas University
Dawn Russell Lounge
Sir James Dunn Hall

International energy expert Ralph Torrie, Research Director of Corporate Knights, has published his analysis for a renewable energy future for Maritime Canada. The CEDAR project and partners invited Ralph to New Brunswick to share his work with the public. 6 PM at the Fredericton Public Library. Info HERE.

The CEDAR project and colleagues at St. Thomas University partnered with the Fredericton Public Library to bring an exhibit “80 Years of the Nuclear Age: Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki” to New Brunswick in October. The opening talk at 3 PM on October 3 will be delivered by CEDAR partner, M.V. Ramana. Info HERE.

The Call for proposals opened in early 2025 and is now closed. Check out the event website for information on this event in October!

The CEDAR project and partners invites all community champions and social justice activists in New Brunswick to propose activities at the NB Social Forum 2025.

The event in Fredericton the first weekend of October has the theme: The Many vs The Money.

If you are a member of a group or organization in New Brunswick working on community, social justice, Indigenous, labour or environmental issues, we invite you to apply now to have an information table, make a presentation or host a workshop at the event. Deadline for presentation and workshop proposals is June 30.

The event October 4 and 5 will be open to everyone free of charge. Click HERE for more info and to apply.

Please share this invitation with your networks – we want everyone to know about this opportunity.