Pumpkin Packs: While the summer sun still shines, plans are afoot for fun in the Fall. Once again, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is supporting in a virtual Pumpkinfest in Port Elgin, occurring on Saturday, October 2nd this year. Watch the Pumpkinfest website for updates on ‘Pumpkin Pack Wednesdays’ leading up to the main event – when parents will be able to pick up free OPG sponsored kits at a curb-side location for fun and educational activities with their children at home.
Indigenous. Relations: OPG has been awarded Gold certification through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program. PAR Gold companies demonstrate sustained leadership in Indigenous relations. Collaboration is the keystone of OPG’s Indigenous relations and has led to effective strategy development and mutually beneficial outcomes in the area of employment, business development and community investment. In the Bruce area, OPG engages with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation (together comprising the Saugeen Ojibway Nation – SON), the Metis Nation of Ontariol and the Historic Saugeen Metis.
Around Ontario and Beyond:
- Q2 financials: OPG reported net income in the second quarter this year of $518 million, up from $458 million for the same period last year, with earnings going to the Province of Ontario. Commenting on the good performance, OPG President and CEO Ken Hartwick said, “I am proud that throughout the pandemic, OPG workers have remained focused on keeping our power production facilities operating safely and reliably each and every day, while advancing essential projects and adhering to stringent COVID-related safety protocols.” He noted that the Darlington refurbishment is progressing well, “thanks to the efforts of our strong and dedicated project team.”
- Developing strategy: If you have ideas for creating a safe, integrated, long-term strategy for radioactive waste in Canada, you can share your thoughts in an [Help%20us%20create%20a%20safe,%20integrated,%20long-term%20strategy%20for%20radioactive%20waste%20in%20Canada]online survey. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) this year is reviewing the federal radioactive-waste policy framework in place since 1996; and NRCan has assigned the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to recommend an integrated strategy to support the new policy.
- Skills study: OPG’s Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability (CCNS) and its partners are leading the way to innovative and sustainable decommissioning, as Pickering Nuclear Generating Station plans for the end of its nuclear life cycle. As part of the planning, CCNS Industry Catalyst partner Cavendish Nuclear has launched a study of workforce demands to perform decommissioning work. “Early identification will help reveal any gaps that might exist and allow for time to build up the workforce through training programs,” said CCNS Manager Sabrina Nestor.
