Our very own Larry Brokenshire introduced James  Gandhi from Aecon. His spoke about Aecon's role in retubing and repowering Ontario's Nuclear Industry. James is a professional engineer with 25 years of experience in developing complex business strategies in the energy sector both internationally and at home. He has spearheaded new initiatives in conjuction with utilites and the ministry.

Jim is a great speaker, unfortunately it did not come through well on zoom.

So I will be brief.

The Canadian Nuclear Industry has a very good safety record, has stringent regulations and workers are exposed to minimal radiation. We get more radiation flying to Europe and much more getting an MRI.

In Ontario the Nuclear Energy sector employs over 80,000 blue and white collar workers.

This is all about making electricity, nuclear energy accounts for over 60% and has room for expansion. Hydro generation is around 35% and it is environmentally destructive and at its limit now. Wind energy....well ( snicker).

Aecon works with a whole host of sub-contractors and is interested in the concept of small reactors. This would work great in the North getting away from expensive and potentially polluting fossil fuels. (My comments...but the Russians are working on this concept as well).

The starting pay for a millwright is good and gets better as one stays with the company and moves up the ladder of management.

James was thanked by Paul McMenemy.

 

Editors comment: Probably due to ionized particles in the atmosphere and or smoke from the burning western states my zoom reception was not good. I apologize for any major gaffs and swear that no small fur bearing animals were significantly injured in the production of this bulletin.