Ignace Hosts First Nuclear Youth Symposium to Inspire Future Careers

The Township of Ignace, Ontario, recently hosted its inaugural Nuclear Youth Symposium, bringing together over 100 high school students to explore career opportunities in nuclear energy and skilled trades. Taking place over three days at the Ignace Recreation Centre, the event aimed to connect youth with potential jobs linked to the proposed deep geological repository for nuclear waste, which was designated as the preferred site by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) in November 2022.

The repository, intended for storing Canada’s nuclear waste deep underground, remains years away from construction, which is projected to commence in the 2030s pending various regulatory approvals. Despite the timeline, Ignace is proactively preparing its workforce for future developments.

Empowering Youth Through Hands-On Learning

The symposium featured workshops, engineering demonstrations, and opportunities for students to engage with professionals from the nuclear sector and skilled trades. Mayor Kim Baigrie emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “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.”

Ashley Cuglietta, director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous relations at Skills Ontario, highlighted the hands-on nature of the activities. “They’re learning about different skilled-trade careers,” she noted. Students participated in practical tasks, such as carpentry and electrical work, which helped broaden their understanding of available career paths.

Christy Radbourne, director with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, remarked on the importance of fostering early awareness of career opportunities. “It’s critical that we introduce students to ideas and career pathways early, so that they can make the right choices in high school,” she said. The hands-on learning approach particularly benefits students interested in skills and trades fields.

Community Engagement and Future Planning

The symposium also included a youth-driven planning exercise aimed at contributing to the township’s strategic goals. Participants were tasked with developing significant recommendations for the local council, which could shape Ignace’s future as it prepares for major projects.

Jake Pastore, the communications and outreach lead for the Township of Ignace, noted the event’s timing aligns with significant community milestones, including plans for new housing and the establishment of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization Centre of Expertise. This facility is anticipated to create between 180 and 200 jobs, further enhancing local employment prospects. Pastore expressed a desire for the students to consider their futures in Ignace, encouraging them to build careers and families in the region.

While the proposed repository has garnered support, it has also faced opposition from a coalition of First Nations, including Grassy Narrows and Fort William, among others. In a letter to the NWMO, the First Nations Land Defence Alliance expressed concerns about their lack of engagement in the decision-making process, stating, “We have never received a response” regarding their decision of “no” to the site near Ignace.

Additionally, grassroots organizations like We the Nuclear Free North have raised alarms about the potential hazards of long-term nuclear waste storage, questioning the safety of transporting radioactive materials over long distances and the risks of container failure over time.

Pastore reassured the community of the township’s commitment to addressing concerns, pointing out that there would be a rigorous regulatory process lasting five to seven years to ensure safety and technical standards. He emphasized that there will be opportunities for community voices to be heard throughout this process.

The Nuclear Youth Symposium in Ignace marks a significant step towards engaging young people in discussions about their future roles in an evolving energy landscape, while also addressing community concerns regarding the proposed nuclear waste repository.