- The proposed legislation would allow government research on uranium resources while maintaining a ban on industry activity.
- Nova Scotia’s policy shift aligns with Canada’s broader goal to triple nuclear energy output by 2050.
Legislation has been introduced in Nova Scotia that could mark a significant shift in the province’s approach to uranium resources. If passed, the proposed bill would lift the long-standing prohibition on uranium exploration and mining, but only for government research purposes. Industry activity related to uranium would remain prohibited through an existing ministerial order under the Mineral Resources Act.
The repeal of the ban would enable government-led research to collect accurate data on uranium deposits within the province. “Having accurate data on the amount and location of uranium is the first step. It will also help protect Nova Scotians from health and safety risks. The repeal allows government research only,” a government spokesperson stated.
Canada’s Uranium Landscape
Canada is the third-largest uranium producer globally, and while uranium is classified as a critical mineral at the national level, it has not been included on Nova Scotia’s critical mineral list due to the prohibition. Uranium exploration falls under provincial jurisdiction, whereas mining and processing are regulated federally by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Currently, all of Canada’s uranium is mined in northern Saskatchewan. However, exploration efforts have expanded to various regions, including Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Nunavut, and the Elliot Lake area in Ontario, where uranium was previously mined.
Three Canadian provinces currently have bans on uranium mining:
- Nova Scotia (since 1981)
- British Columbia (banned from 1980–1987, reinstated in 2008)
- Quebec (since 2013)
Broader Legislative Reforms
Repealing the uranium exploration ban is one of five legislative changes proposed in the bill. The other key measures include:
- Amending the Petroleum Resources Act to create potential opportunities for hydraulic fracturing to access onshore natural gas.
- Amending the Public Utilities Act to extend an electricity demand-side management plan by one year as changes to the electricity system are implemented.
- Repealing and replacing the Agrologist Act to better meet the needs of the agriculture industry.
- Modernizing the Agricultural Weed Control Act to strengthen protection against noxious weeds.
A Step Toward Energy Self-Sufficiency
This legislative push aligns with Canada’s broader commitment to expanding nuclear energy. Canada is one of 31 nations that signed a declaration aiming to triple nuclear energy output by 2050. This strategy is intended to combat climate change, foster job creation, and enhance national infrastructure.
Nova Scotia’s government emphasizes that these legislative changes will remove blanket bans, paving the way for informed discussions on resource development. “Legislation introduced today, 18 February, will lift blanket bans and pave the way for dialogue to ensure natural resource development can happen safely, unlocking a path toward job creation, boosting the economy, and making Nova Scotia more self-sufficient,” the government stated.
Tory Rushton, a key Canadian politician, reinforced this perspective, stating, “If we’re going to use natural resources here, we should be having the conversations about extracting them here and keeping all the jobs and economic benefits for Nova Scotians.”
The debate surrounding uranium exploration in Nova Scotia is likely to intensify as policymakers weigh the benefits of resource development against environmental and health concerns. The outcome of this legislative proposal will play a critical role in shaping the province’s energy and economic future.
