Saskatchewan uranium highlighted in Canada’s new nuclear strategy

Saskatchewan’s uranium sector is being highlighted as a key part of Canada’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy.

The federal government launched the strategy June 22, saying nuclear power will play a major role in meeting growing electricity demand, strengthening energy security and supporting the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said Canada is looking to build on its existing nuclear strengths, including CANDU reactor technology, uranium development, nuclear research and a skilled domestic workforce.

Saskatchewan central to uranium production

The strategy points to Saskatchewan’s world-class uranium deposits as one of Canada’s major advantages in the global nuclear sector.

Canada is the world’s second-largest uranium producer and produced about 24 per cent of global uranium output in 2024.

All active uranium mining and milling in Canada is concentrated in Saskatchewan.

The federal government says that activity contributed about $2.6 billion to Canada’s economy in 2024 and directly employed more than 3,400 Canadians, nearly half of whom are workers and residents in northern Saskatchewan.

About 90 per cent of Canadian uranium is exported to other countries, where it is used as fuel in nuclear power plants.

Strategy aims to grow nuclear sector

The federal government says nuclear energy currently provides about 13 per cent of Canada’s electricity and supports 90,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.

Canada’s nuclear sector also contributes about $22 billion to the national economy each year.

The new strategy is built around four pillars: enabling new nuclear builds across Canada, positioning Canada as a global supplier and exporter, expanding uranium production and nuclear fuel opportunities, and developing new Canadian nuclear innovations, including fission and fusion.

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Opportunities for Saskatchewan

For Saskatchewan, the strategy could mean continued attention on uranium production, nuclear fuel supply chains and potential future nuclear development.

The province has also been part of national conversations around small modular reactors and the role nuclear power could play in reliable, low-emission electricity.

Hodgson said the strategy is meant to support a co-ordinated approach to nuclear development, exports, economic growth and reliable power.

Ottawa says it will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, unions, universities and the broader nuclear sector as the strategy is implemented.