Ignace Hosts First Nuclear Youth Symposium for Future Careers

The Township of Ignace, Ontario, recently held its inaugural Nuclear Youth Symposium, bringing together more than 100 high school students for a three-day event focused on careers in nuclear energy and skilled trades. The symposium aimed to connect youth with future job opportunities related to the proposed deep geological repository, which has been selected as Canada’s nuclear waste storage site.

In November 2022, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) announced Ignace as the preferred location for this repository, set to begin construction in the 2030s, pending necessary approvals. Acknowledging the importance of preparing the community for this significant development, the township organized the symposium from March 5 to March 7, 2024, at the Ignace Recreation Centre.

The event was facilitated by Ignace’s community engagement committee in collaboration with Skills Ontario and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. Mayor Kim Baigrie described the symposium as a vital investment in the future workforce of Ignace. She stated, “This will empower our young people with knowledge, necessary trade skills, and connections that will help shape the future of used nuclear fuel in our province and our country.”

Workshops and hands-on engineering demonstrations were highlights of the event, allowing students to directly engage with experts in nuclear science and skilled trades. Ashley Cuglietta, director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous relations at Skills Ontario, noted the symposium’s focus on practical learning experiences. “They’re learning about different skilled-trade careers,” Cuglietta explained. “Whether it be carpentry and they’re building something or looking at becoming an electrician and they’re hooking up wires to make a light bulb turn on.”

The aim was to raise awareness of various trades and technical careers that many students might not be familiar with. Christy Radbourne, director with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, emphasized the importance of early exposure to career pathways. “Hands-on learning benefits a number of students, particularly those interested in the skills and trade fields,” she remarked.

A unique feature of the symposium involved a youth-driven planning exercise, contributing to the township’s strategic development. Jake Pastore, communications and outreach lead for Ignace, indicated that students would propose “three or four significant recommendations” for the council, prompting them to consider their future careers in nuclear energy and skilled trades.

The timing of the symposium aligns with significant community projects, including the construction of new homes and the development of a 65,000-square-foot Nuclear Waste Management Organization Centre of Expertise, anticipated to generate between 180 and 200 jobs. Pastore expressed hope that the participating students would consider staying in Ignace or returning to the area to build their careers and families.

Despite the positive reception from many community members, the proposed repository has faced opposition from a coalition of First Nations, including Grassy Narrows and Fort William. The First Nations Land Defence Alliance has voiced concerns over the site selection process, asserting that their decision against the repository has not been adequately addressed. They demanded that their collective choice be respected in communications with the NWMO.

Grassroots organizations, such as We the Nuclear Free North, have also raised alarms about potential safety issues related to the long-term storage of nuclear waste. They argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting the viability of deep geological burial and express concerns over the transportation of radioactive materials over long distances.

Pastore stressed the township’s commitment to transparency and public engagement, noting that there will be a regulatory process spanning five to seven years. He reassured community members that there will be ample opportunities for those with concerns to voice their opinions. Oversight will be provided by national and international nuclear agencies to ensure compliance with technical and safety standards.

The Nuclear Youth Symposium represents a proactive step by Ignace to equip its youth with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future, amidst the significant changes the community is preparing to embrace.