By teaming up with the uranium industry (primarily CAMECO), and with strong inducements from the Saskatchewan Party Government, it appears that the University of Saskatchewan has become increasingly corporatized, enticed by short-term promises of lavish donations and directed funding. By accepting directed funding, are the autonomy and integrity of the people of Saskatchewan’s University being sold off? You decide. We invite you to study this infographic package, mapping the labyrinth of key players involved.
In 2008, one of the first steps taken by Brad Wall’s government was to establish Enterprise Saskatchewan (ES), an agency “expressly designed to overcome barriers to growth and to find or create new opportunities—essentially, to press the Saskatchewan advantage wherever possible.” At the same time, the government quickly established the Uranium Development Partnership (UDP), with the mandate to promote value-added uranium development in the province. The uranium industry was well represented in UDP, including Areva, Cameco, Bruce Power, and other supportive players. Despite vocal public resistance towards the nuclear industry in 2009, Enterprise Saskatchewan forged onwards, specifically tasked with moving the UDP agenda forward. In its annual report for 2010/11, ES boasted, “Eighteen of the 20 recommendations made by the Uranium Development Partnership — which resulted from an ES board recommendation — have now been implemented.”
The accompanying chart demonstrates how closely the Saskatchewan Party Government, the nuclear industry and the University have collaborated to further the nuclear development agenda in the past three years. Dr. Richard Florizone, a U of S vice-president, and Mr. Iain Harry, a Crown Investments Corporation vice-president, wrote the UDP terms of reference in 2008. Florizone served as UDP’s first chair and championed its recommendations. Both continue to be involved as stakeholder representatives with the establishment of the new Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation (CCNI) at the U of S, announced earlier this year. Dr. Karen Chad, another U of S vice-president and a board member at Enterprise Saskatchewan, and Chris Dekker, CEO and vice-president at Enterprise Saskatchewan, are also stakeholder representatives for the new CCNI. As well as serving as Minister of Advanced Education (responsible for the two universities in the province), Rob Norris is the minister responsible for the Uranium Development Partnership. And of course, Nancy Hopkins, a member of Cameco’s board of directors, has been appointed by the government to the U of S Board of Governors, and presently serves as its chair, too. The infographic provides a visual representation of what appears to be a huge degree of outside corporate/government influence at play in promoting nuclear development at the University of Saskatchewan.
Notes to chart
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ
PEOPLE
Bill Boyd
· Saskatchewan Minister of Energy and Resources
· Former leader of the Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative Party
· Founding member of the Saskatchewan Party
· Vice-chair, Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan
· Board member and former Minister Responsible for Uranium Development Partnership
· Board member, Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation (SOCO)
· Formerly Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan
· MLA for Kindersley
Gary Chad
· Senior Vice-President Governance, Law and Corporate Secretary,Cameco, since 2007
· Joined Cameco in 1990 as general counsel, corporate secretary and assistant to the chair
· Partner with the Saskatoon law firm of Robertson Stromberg, 1987-1990.
· Commerce degree (Hons.),1973, and law degree,1977, from U of S
Karen Chad
· Vice-President, Research, University of Saskatchewan
· Member of the Board, Enterprise Saskatchewan
· Stakeholder representative for the University of Saskatchewan in the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Business Framework
· Director at Canadian Light Source Synchrotron
· Director, Genome Prairie Inc.
Major proponent for development of the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation and the concept of a Canadian Neutron Source (see U of S Canadian Light Source Synchrotron).
Ken Cheveldayoff
· Member of the Board, Enterprise Saskatchewan (chair, 2009-10)
· Member of the Board, Crown Investments Corporation
· Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations
· Minister Responsible for Northern Affairs
· Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation
· Also Chair of the Economic Development Sub-Committee, Member of the Saskatchewan Development Fund Corporation and a member of the Standing Policy (Saskatchewan Party Caucus) Committee on the Economy.
· Formerly Minister of Crown Corporations and Minister of Enterprise.
· MLA for Saskatoon Silver Springs
Chris Dekker
· Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Communication, and Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Saskatchewan
· Stakeholder representative for the Government of Saskatchewan in the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Business Framework
· Former Executive Assistant to the Saskatchewan Minister of Revenue and Financial Services
· Former Executive Assistant to Saskatchewan Minister of Health
· Former Assistant Press Secretary to Premier Brad Wall
· Former Director of Communications, and then Chief of Staff in the Office of the Official Opposition (Saskatchewan Party)
Art Dumont
· Member of U of S Board of Governors since 2003.
· Until earlier in 2011 he was CEO of Technicoil Corporation, based inCalgary.
Dumont is a Professional Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Honored by the U of S College of Engineering Wall of Distinction, Dumont began his career with Gulf Canada Resources Ltd. and Bawden Drilling. He has served as Business Development Officer, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Technicoil Corporation; Chief Executive Officer and President of CenAlta Energy Services Inc.; President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Rock Bit Company Limited; and President of Kenting Energy Services Ltd..
He has also worked in senior roles at Precision Drilling and Trimac Limited. He has over 40 years of oil and gas industry experience including various senior executive positions in the oil and gas service industry. He served as a Director and Manager of Petrofund Corp.; a Director of Yangarra Resources Ltd.; a Director of Pulse Data; Director of Ultima Energy Trust and its subsidiaries Ultima Ventures Corp., and Ultima Acquisitions Corp.; a Director of Fracmaster Ltd.; and Phoenix Oilfield Hauling Inc. He is a past president of the Calgary Petroleum Club Board of Directors.
Linda Ferguson
· Member, U of S Board of Governors (elected as the representative of U of S Faculty in 2010).
· Full professor in the College of Nursing.
Richard Florizone
· Vice-President (Finance & Resources) at the University of Saskatchewan
· Board member and member of Executive Committee, at the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron (U of S)
· Stakeholder representative for the University of Saskatchewan in the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Business Framework
· Chair at Uranium Development Partnership , 2008-2009
· Director, Strategic Initiatives at Bombardier Aerospace, 2004-2005
Iain Harry
· Vice President, Crown Sector Initiatives Division, Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan
· Joined CIC in 2008.
· Stakeholder representative for the Government of Saskatchewan in the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Business Framework
Past
· Senior Policy Advisor to the federal minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
· Director of the Conservative Resource Group in Ottawa
· Special Advisor to Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan.
· Political staffer in Saskatchewan Party since 1997
Scott Hitchings
· Member, U of S Board of Governors, since 2011.
· President of the University of Saskatchewan Students Union, since 2011.
Nancy Hopkins
· Chair, U of S Board of Governors, since 2010
· Appointed to the Board of Governors by the Government ofSaskatchewan in 2005
· Director, Cameco Corporation, since 1992 [Total Equity At-Risk Amount Total amount of equity at risk (Cameco shares, DSUs and options): $2,365,243 in 2010, $1,843,273 in 2009]
· Partner with the law firm of McDougall Gauley, LLP in Saskatoon.
· Chair of the board of the Saskatoon Airport Authority
· Director of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
· Chair, IRC and Audit Committee, Growthworks Canadian Fund Ltd.
· Director, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
· Director, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (1998 to 2007), Chair of the
Board (2003 -2007)
Board (2003 -2007)· Member of the Honours Advisory Council of Saskatchewan, 1996 - 2002
· Chair, Saskatchewan Police Commission, 1998 - 2001
· President, Saskatchewan Legal Education Society, 1994 - 1997
· Governor, Canadian Tax Foundation, 1990-1993
Grant Isaac
· Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Cameco Corporation, since 2011
· Member of Cameco board since 2009
· Dean of Edwards School of Business (formerly College of Commerce), University of Saskatchewan, 2006-2009
· Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, 2000-2006
· Member of the research, development and commercialization sector team of Enterprise Saskatchewan
· Senior associate with the Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade.
Currently serving on the boards of:
· Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
· Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence
· Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference
· Raj Manek Foundation.
George Ivany
· Director, Cameco Corporation, 1999-2011, appointed immediately after his term as U of S President ended.
· Director on the board of the Canada West Foundation.
· Former president, University of Saskatchewan, 1989-1999
J.W. George Ivany received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and physics and a diploma in education from the Memorial University of Newfoundland. He received a Master of Arts degree in physics education from the Teachers College, Columbia University and a PhD in secondary education from the University of Alberta.
After teaching at the University of Alberta, he joined Columbia University as an Associate Professor in 1968 and was Department Head in 1973. From 1974 to 1977, he was Professor and Dean of Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland. From 1977 to 1984, he was Professor and Dean of Education at Simon Fraser University. He was acting President in 1983 and Vice President, Academic from 1984 to 1989.
Peter MacKinnon
· President, University of Saskatchewan, since 1999
· Ex officio member of the U of S Board of Governors
· Member, Science, Technology and Innovation Council (Industry Canada)
· Member of federal government’s Advisory Committee on Public Service, 2011.
In 1975, he joined the faculty of the University of Saskatchewan as an Assistant Professor of Law. He became an Associate Professor in 1978 and a Professor in 1983. From 1979 to 1981, he was the Assistant Dean of Law and was the Dean of Law from 1988 to 1998. In 1999, he was appointed the eighth President of the University of Saskatchewan. On March 9, 2011, MacKinnon announced that he would be stepping down as President of theUniversity of Saskatchewan, effective June 30, 2012.
· Member of the U of S Board of Governors, since 2009, representing U of S Senate
After earning a Bachelor of Education degree from the U of S, McCreath served as a teacher, teacher-librarian and administrator for over 30 years inSaskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. She has served on a number of boards, including those of the St. Albert Public Library, Junior Achievement Alberta, YWCA Calgary, Famous 5 Foundation, University of Calgary Research Ethics, Friends of Prince Albert National Park and the Whyte Foundation.
Susan Milburn
· Vice-chair, U of S Board of Governors
· Elected to the Board by U of S Senate in 2006
· Past president of the U of S Alumni Association (2002-2003)
· Vice-president of Raymond James Ltd.(investments) in Saskatoon.
· Chair, Board of Directors, AgWest Bio Inc., Saskatoon.
· Former vice-chair, Investment Saskatchewan,
· Former board member, SaskEnergy and SaskPower.
Rob Norris
· Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
· Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan
· Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Power Corporation
· Minister Responsible for Uranium Development Partnership
· Board member, Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan
· Board member, Innovation Saskatchewan
· Board member, Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation
· Board member, Saskatchewan Research Council
· MLA for Saskatoon Greystone
· Began work at the University of Saskatchewan International in 1999
· Co-ordinator of Global Relations,U of S, 2004-2007.
Vera Pezer
· Chancellor, University of Saskatchewan, since 2007
· Ex officio member of U of S Board of Governors
Dr. Pezer first joined the U of S in 1966 in Student Counselling Services and as a part-time instructor in the Department of Psychology. She later became Director of Student Counselling, an Assistant Professor of Psychology, Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Science, and the Associate Vice-President Student Affairs.
Greg Smith
· Member, U of S Board of Governors, appointed by Government of Saskatchewan, 2007
· Partner in the chartered accounting firm Stark & Marsh
· President and board member of Aqua Pump House (95) Ltd., Swift Current
Garry Standing
· Member, U of S Board of Governors, appointed by Government of Saskatchewan, 2002
· Formerly served on the U of S Senate, representing the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
· Past chief and current band councilor of Wahpeton Dakota Nation, Prince Albert
· Employed with Envision Management Inc., a third-party management company delivering health care services in three First Nations communities
David S. Sutherland
· Member, U of S Board of Governors, appointed by Government of Saskatchewan, 2008
· Member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and of the Council'sSecurity and Prosperity Partnership of North America.
· Member of Advisory Board of Linley Capital.
· Independent Director of GATX Corp., since July 30, 2007
· Chief Executive Officer and President of Evraz Inc. NA, 2002-2007
· Director, United States Steel Corp., since July 2008
· Director, Transfield Services Limited
· Vice Chairman, Canadian Steel Producers Association.
· Director, Imperial Oil Ltd.
· Joined IPSCO in 1977 and held various positions, including President, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Vice President and General Manager of Raw Materials & Coil Processing.
· Chairman of American Iron & Steel Institute and previously served as its Vice Chairman.
· Director of the Steel Manufacturers Association, the Canadian Steel Producers Association, the International Iron and Steel Institute, the National Association of Manufacturers and the C.D. Howe Institute.
Brad Wall
· Premier of Saskatchewan since 2007
· Leader of the Saskatchewan Party since 2004
Premier Wall and his Saskatchewan Party Government have their roots in the Conservative party and their business-friendly policies. He has been particularly anxious to promote natural resource development in the province. Some of his main program initiatives have related to promotion of value-added uranium initiatives in the province and corollary projects such as the Uranium Development Partnership, the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation, and the Western Canada-U.S. Energy Corridor.
CORPORATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
AREVA Resources Canada Inc.
Areva is a uranium mining, milling and exploration company based inSaskatoon, Saskatchewan. AREVA Resources Canada is a subsidiary of theAREVA group and has offices, operations and projects in Saskatchewan,Quebec and Nunavut
Member of the Uranium Development Partnership
INQUIRY INTO SASKATCHEWAN’S ENERGY NEEDS: FINAL REPORT,
APRIL 5, 2010
Mr. Jim Corman, Vice President of Operations at Areva noted that the size of a nuclear power plant would likely be a barrier but did comment on small reactor technologies:
“Current reactor designs are such that they would be too large for what the needs, particularly in the North, would be. That being said, there is certainly advancements and credible designs being brought forward in regards to smaller or mini-reactor technologies that potentially could be quite beneficial and useful and economic in the future” (Saskatchewan 2010l, 635).
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.
AECL is a Canadian federal Crown corporation with the responsibility of managing Canada's national nuclear energy research and development program, including the advancement and support of CANDU reactor technology which was developed at AECL starting in the 1950s. AECL also provides a variety of maintenance, diagnostic, waste management, refurbishment, and other services to the nuclear industry.
In the summer of 2011 AECL's commercial business went private after being auctioned off to Montreal-based engineering firm SNC-Lavalin for $15 million (including 15 years worth of royalties, the government could get back as much as $285 million, the sale entered the exclusive negotiation stage in February, a month after the other bidder, Bruce Power pulled out). Poor sales and cost overruns ($1.2 billion in the last five years) were reasons for the divestment though SNC-Lavalin expects to reverse that trend by focusing on new generation reactors. SNC-Lavalin Nuclear Inc., SNC's nuclear subsidiary is already part of Team CANDU, a group of five companies that manufacture and refurbish the CANDU reactors.
INQUIRY INTO SASKATCHEWAN’S ENERGY NEEDS: FINAL REPORT, APRIL 5, 2010
Mr. Ron Oberth of AECL saw great potential for Saskatchewanbeing home to a nuclear center of excellence [at the Universityof Saskatchewan].
Mr. Oberth introduced AECL and the CANDU reactor technology. He stated that there is a “nuclear renaissance” because of the world‘s growing need to provide a clean baseload energy source.
Bruce Power Ltd.
Bruce Power Limited Partnership is a Canadian business partnership composed of several corporations. It exists as a partnership betweenCameco Corporation (31.6%), TransCanada Corporation (31.6%), BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust (31.6%), the Power Workers Union (4%) andThe Society of Energy Professionals (1.2%). It is the licensed operator of theBruce Nuclear Generating Station, located on the shores of Lake Huron, roughly 250 kilometres northwest of Toronto, between the towns ofKincardine and Saugeen Shores.
Member of the Uranium Development Partnership and Canadian Council of Chief Executives
In 2008, Bruce Power launched its Saskatchewan 2020 Initiative, which was “intended to give provincial leaders detailed information and options as they consider their electricity supply needs for the next generation. [President and CEO] Hawthorne was joined by the Honourable Lyle Stewart, Minister ofEnterprise and Innovation, and the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister ofCrown Corporations.
“’Saskatchewan needs clean, affordable and reliable power to meet the future needs of a growing province. We would like to welcome Bruce Power to our province and look forward to the results of the Saskatchewan 2020 feasibility study, which we hope will lead to the creation of a nuclear option for our province,’ Stewart said.
“Bruce Power plans to liaise with SaskPower to evaluate electricity demand projections for the province and examine what transmission upgrades or enhancements would be required to accommodate new nuclear units. ‘Our government is establishing a climate so companies like Bruce Power can come to our province and compete to provide the next generation of clean electricity,’ Cheveldayoff said.”
At the end of November 2008, a joint feasibility study by Bruce Power and SaskPower concluded that nuclear power could contribute at least 1,000 MWe capacity to Saskatchewan’s generation mix by 2020. The study identified a region spanning from Lloydminster, including the Battlefords andPrince Albert – generally referred to as the 'Prince Albert economic sub-region' – as the most viable host for a nuclear facility. The study also noted that growth in electricity demand in northeastern Alberta could provide a possible export market for Saskatchewan.
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES, BARGAINS AND PROCESSES IN THE SASKATCHEWAN URANIUM INDUSTRY: 1970 – 2010 by Gregory A. Poelzer (M.A. thesis, U of S, 2010)
Because pursuing nuclear energy became the new policy objective [of the Saskatchewan Party government] the connections the province held with Cameco became invaluable with their links to Bruce Power, a major nuclear energy producer in Ontario. Cameco first acquired 15% interest in Bruce Power in 2000, which it expanded to 31.6% in 2002. The direct link with Cameco and the subsequent links to a nuclear energy producer in Bruce Power placed Saskatchewan in a position to make a serious attempt at nuclear energy.
. . . Bruce Power argued that the province could start the planning phase now and make payments a few years down the road, [but] this type of commitment would permanently tie the provincial government to a nuclear reactor project, a potential problem without any future economic certainties.
Cameco Corporation
Cameco (TSX: CCO, NYSE: CCJ) is the world's largest publicly tradeduranium company, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 2009, it was the world's second largest uranium producer, accounting for 16% of world production. "Cameco - A Canadian Mining and Energy Corporation" was formed in 1988 by the merger and privatization of two crown corporations: the federally owned Eldorado Nuclear Limited (known previously as Eldorado Mining and Refining Limited) and Saskatchewan-based Saskatchewan Mining Development Corporation (SMDC).
Cameco operates several uranium mines in North America and Kazakhstan, including McArthur River, the world's largest high grade uranium deposit and mine, and Cigar Lake, the world's largest undeveloped high-grade uranium deposit, both in Saskatchewan. Other operations in Saskatchewan include a mine and mill at Rabbit Lake and a mill at Key Lake.
In the United States, Cameco operates uranium mines in the states ofNebraska and Wyoming through its US subsidiary Cameco Resources Inc. Cameco Resources was formed in 2007 through a restructuring of two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Power Resources Inc. (Wyoming) and Crowe Butte Resources Inc. (Nebraska).
In the province of Ontario, Cameco operates a uranium refinery in Blind River and a uranium conversion facility in Port Hope, which has faced opposition from some community groups. Through the Bruce Power Limited Partnership (BPLP), Cameco also participates in nuclear power generation in the province. Cameco owns 31.6% of Bruce Power.
Shareholders and directors of Cameco include Gary Chad, Nancy Hopkins,Grant Isaac, and George Ivany (who retired from its board of directors in 2011).
Member of the Uranium Development Partnership
Canadian Council of Chief Executives
“The Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE) is an association ofCanada's business leaders committed to the shaping of sound public policy in Canada, North America and the world. The members of the Council include the chief executive officers of some 150 leading Canadian corporations and Canada's pre-eminent entrepreneurs.
· Within Canada, the Council's work on national issues addresses primarily fiscal and monetary policy, taxation, regulatory, environmental, competitiveness and corporate governance.
· In North America, the Council focuses primarily on issues related toCanada - United States economic interdependence, integration and security as well as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
· Globally, the Council's work addresses primarily international finance, trade, investment and development policy as well as multilateral, regional and bilateral relationships beyond North America.”
The CCCE is a strong proponent of the North American Security and Prosperity Initiative, which in turn as led to the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, a form of continental energy pact.
CCCE members include: Bruce Power, Canadian Oil Sands Ltd., Encana,Imperial Oil, SNC-Lavalin, Suncor Energy and TransCanada Corp.
Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan
“The Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) is the financially self-sufficient holding company for Saskatchewan’s commercial Crown corporations. . . . The Crown Corporations Act, 1993 is the corporation’s governing legislation. CIC is mandated to exercise supervisory powers over its subsidiary Crown corporations as well as operating as a Crown corporation itself.”
CIC has been a strong supporter of development of the U of S Centre for Nuclear Innovation.
Board members:
Hon. Tim McMillan (chair)
Hon. Bill Boyd (vice-chair)
Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff
Hon. Rob Norris
Hon. Dustin Duncan
Iain Harry is Vice-President, Crown Sector Initiatives
Among its subsidiaries are:
Saskatchewan Power Corporation and SaskEnergy
Enterprise Saskatchewan
“Enterprise Saskatchewan provides leadership as the central coordinating agency of the Government of Saskatchewan for economic development. In partnership with key stakeholders, Enterprise Saskatchewan advances a transformative sustainable economic growth agenda and develops a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that encourages investment and population growth, creating prosperity for all Saskatchewan residents.”
“Eighteen of the 20 recommendations made by the Uranium Development Partnership — which resulted from an ES board recommendation — have now been implemented. In March 2011, the government announced $30 million over seven years to establish a new nuclear centre of excellence at the University of Saskatchewan that will re-establish the province as an international leader in nuclear science and medicine.”
It would thus appear that Enterprise Saskatchewan has been tasked to implement as many of the UDP recommendations as possible.
There is a nebulous “sister” relationship between Enterprise Saskatchewanand Innovation Saskatchewan, both agencies of the Saskatchewangovernment. Estimates for 2011-12 gave the budget of the former as roughly $42 million dollars and of the latter, a little more than $3 million. So it would appear that Enterprise Saskatchewan is in fact the granting agency.
Board of directors for Enterprise Saskatchewan:
· Chris Dekker, Chief Executive Officer
· Grant Isaac is a member of its research, development and commercialization sector team
See also Innovation Saskatchewan
GE Hitachi
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). It is the company that built theFukushima reactor in Japan.
Hitachi and GE established joint venture companies in 2007 to construct, maintain, and provide related services for nuclear power plants in Japan and the United States, and are proactively pursuing international business activities. The Japanese joint venture, Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd., is roughly 80% owned by Hitachi and 20% owned by GE, and in the United States, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy is 40% owned by Hitachi and 60% owned by GE. Both companies are utilizing their accumulated know-how and experience to further expand their nuclear power businesses in global markets.
GE Hitachi currently operates nuclear fuel facilities in Toronto andPeterborough, Ontario.
In August 2011 Saskatchewan Innovation Minister Rob Norris was joined by representatives of GE Hitachi Ltd. and its associated partners in Saskatoon to sign two memorandums of understanding that support a research partnership focusing on nuclear medicine, materials science, nuclear safety and small reactor design.
The first initiative (presumably based at the U of S Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation) will be supported through a five-year, $10-million investment - with $5 million each coming from the province and Hitachi. Research priorities will include the area of nuclear safety and the reclamation of uranium fuel rods.
The second of the two MOUs will facilitate the study of proton beam therapy technologies using Hitachi's developments in the area. It will use theCanadian Light Source Synchrotron facility to investigate development of new nuclear medicines and nuclear imaging technology. The work will be done in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Saskatchewan Research Council and the Synchrotron.
Norris said the partnership comes as a result of the government's Uranium Development Partnership, which was led by U of S vice-president of finance and resources Richard Florizone in 2008. Norris said the idea of a small reactor is at least five years away, but the partnership with Hitachi “will allow Canadians to lend their expertise to examining the project's feasibility.”
Imperial Oil
Imperial Oil Limited (TSX: IMO AMEX: IMO) is Canada's largest petroleumcompany. The company is engaged in the exploration, production and sale of crude oil and natural gas. It is controlled by US based ExxonMobil, which owns 69.6% of its stock. Imperial owns 25% of Syncrude Canada Ltd., the world's largest producer of synthetic crude oil from strip mining of oil sands. Imperial Oil operates service stations in Canada under the trade name Essoas well as other brand names.
Member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives
Innovation Saskatchewan
In 2009 part of Enterprise Saskatchewan was spun off into a sister agency called Innovation Saskatchewan. Innovation Saskatchewan then assumed primary responsibility for activities related to innovation and commercialization, strategic management of research spending and related infrastructure, technology
transfer and productivity improvement. The two agencies work closely together. Estimates for 2011-12 gave the budget of EnterpriseSaskatchewan as roughly $42 million dollars and of Innovation Saskatchewan, a little more than $3 million. So it would appear thatEnterprise Saskatchewan is in fact the granting agency.
Rob Norris is minister responsible and chair of the board. Jerome Konecsni is the new CEO as of 2011.
Other board members include:
• Honourable Dustin Duncan (vice-chair)
• Pam Schwann, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Mining Association;
• Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Dean of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan;
• Daniel Halyk, President and CEO of Total Energy Services Ltd.;
• Dr. Laurier Schramm, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Research
• Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Dean of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan;
• Daniel Halyk, President and CEO of Total Energy Services Ltd.;
• Dr. Laurier Schramm, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Research
Council; and
• Dr. Paitoon Tontiwachwuthikul, Dean of Engineering, University of Regina.
See also Enterprise Saskatchewan
Linley Capital
A New York-based private equity firm that invests in mid-sized companies, in the United States, Europe and Latin America, through leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and growth equity investments. Investments include power generation facilities, including nuclear and renewable energy sources.
North American Security and Prosperity Initiative
see Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America
Saskatchewan Power Corporation (Sask Power)
SaskPower was founded as the Saskatchewan Power Commission in 1929, becoming the Saskatchewan Power Corporation in 1949. The abbreviated name SaskPower was officially adopted in 1987.
Owned by the government through its holding company, the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan, SaskPower is governed by aBoard of Directors who are accountable to the government Minister responsible for SaskPower, who at present is Rob Norris.
SaskPower has the exclusive right and the exclusive obligation to supply electricity in the province, except in the city of Swift Current and most of the city of Saskatoon.
SaskPower has been, and continues to be, actively considering the use of nuclear reactors in their long-term planning for future electricity generation in the province. However, in 2008 Bruce Power launched its Saskatchewan 2020 Initiative, which was “intended to give provincial leaders detailed information and options as they consider their electricity supply needs for the next generation.” Bruce Power’s President and CEO Hawthorne was joined by the Honourable Lyle Stewart, Minister of Enterprise and Innovation, and the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Crown Corporations, in conceptualizing how a nuclear reactor, built and operated by Bruce Power, could meet these long-term objectives.
At the end of November 2008, a joint feasibility study by Bruce Power and SaskPower concluded that nuclear power could contribute at least 1,000 MWe capacity to Saskatchewan’s generation mix by 2020. The study identified a region spanning from Lloydminster, including the Battlefords andPrince Albert – generally referred to as the 'Prince Albert economic sub-region' – as the most viable host for a nuclear facility. The study also noted that growth in electricity demand in northeastern Alberta could provide a possible export market for Saskatchewan. SaskPower had previously investigated the prospect of nuclear power and in 2007, suggesting that a 360-750 MWe reactor size would be feasible if Alberta is included, or larger if it also included Manitoba. The Uranium Development Partnership report of 2009 incorporated these plans into its own recommendations.
At hearings in early 2010, the Saskatchewan Inquiry into Saskatchewan’s Energy Needs heard Sask Power vice-president Gary Wilkinson explain how new small scale nuclear power plants may begin to see licensing in about 2015. “If Saskatchewan is to move in the nuclear direction, a small scale reactor may be a more appropriate size of reactor given the population size and electricity use.”
Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America
“Under the SPP, the [Canadian] government is working to ensure that Canadian companies maintain their competitive advantage through such means as securing continued access to U.S. suppliers and markets, working on smart border initiatives and related infrastructure improvements, and minimizing the ‘tyranny of small differences’ through regulatory cooperation. Through this cooperation with our North American neighbours, Canadian firms are better positioned to compete with counterparts from emerging economies gaining competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”
The SPP’s energy file is handled by its Energy Working Group, which is investigating “opportunities for collaboration on energy science and technology. . . . Other discussions involve energy regulation, nuclear energy and energy forecasts for North America. Discussions with Canadian industry include ongoing consultations with the Energy Council of Canada and other industry associations.”
In practical terms, this has resulted in efforts towards creating North American energy corridors. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has spearheaded Canadian-U.S. collaboration towards establishing a Western Canada-U.S. Energy Corridor.
SNC - Lavalin
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (TSX: SNC) is a large Canadian engineering firm. It is one of the ten largest engineering firms in the world and is based inMontreal, Quebec. It formed in 1991 from the merger of SNC and the failingLavalin, another Quebec based engineering firm.
In the summer of 2011 Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.'s commercial business went private after being auctioned off to SNC-Lavalin for $15 million (including 15 years worth of royalties, the federal government could get back as much as $285 million, the sale entered the exclusive negotiation stage in February, a month after the other bidder, Bruce Power pulled out). Poor sales and cost overruns ($1.2 billion in the last five years) were reasons for the divestment though SNC-Lavalin expects to reverse that trend by focusing on new generation reactors.
Member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives
Technicoil Corporation
Technicoil, an oil and natural gas services company in western Canada, operated service rigs, coil tubing rigs, fluid pumpers and hybrid drilling rigs. Art Dumont was Technicoil’s CEO prior to its sale in 2011 to Essential Energy Services Ltd. “Essential” provides oilfield services to oil and gas producers in western Canada and Colombia related to the ongoing servicing of producing wells and new drilling activity.
http://www.technicoilcorp.com/documents/11-04-19PressRelease-EssentialandTechnicoilAnnounceAnnualSpecialMeetingDates.pdf
TransCanada Corporation
TransCanada Corporation (TSX: TRP, NYSE: TRP) is a major North American energy company based in Calgary, Alberta, developing and operating energy infrastructure in North America. Its pipeline network includes approximately 59,000 kms of pipeline and connects with virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent’s largest providers of gas storage and related services with approximately 355 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. TransCanada also owns, or has interests in, approximately 10,500 megawatts of power generation, including 31.6% of Bruce Power.
TransCanada is the sole owner of the Keystone Pipeline System, engineered to transport synthetic crude oil from the Athabasca Oil Sands in northeasternAlberta, Canada to refineries in Illinois and Oklahoma, and further to the U.S. Gulf Coast. It consists of the operational "Keystone Pipeline" and proposed Keystone XL (Keystone Expansion) pipeline. Keystone XL has faced lawsuitsfrom oil refineries, criticism from environmentalists and some members of theUnited States Congress.
Member of the Uranium Development Partnership and Canadian Council of Chief Executives.
Transfield Services Limited
Transfield Services Limited (ASX: TSE) is an Australian publicly listedcorporation providing operations and maintenance, asset management, project and capital management outsourcing and infrastructure development services to the resources and industrial, infrastructure services and property and facilities management sectors. The company operates in Australia andNew Zealand, the Americas and the Middle East and Asia.
Transfield Services operates across diverse industries, including mining and process, hydrocarbons, transport (including road, rail and public transport),utilities (including water, power, and telecommunications), facilities management and defence. Transfield Services's clients include major national and international companies, as well as all levels of government.
Transfield Services has an office in Calgary and has established a joint venture with Flint Energy Services Ltd to capture the emerging opportunities in the oil sands industry. In 2007, joint venture company FT Services, signed an asset management services contract with Suncor Energy Inc. for the provision of asset management services at Suncor’s Fort McMurray, Albertaoil sands operations and its Sarnia, Ontario refinery operation.
University of Saskatchewan Administration
The Board of Governors administrators comprise:
· Vera Pezer , Chancellor
· Peter MacKinnon, President and Vice-Chancellor
· Brett Fairbairn, Provost and Vice-President Academic;
· Richard Florizone, Vice-President (Finance & Resources);
· Karen Chad, Vice-President (Research);
· Heather Magotiaux, Vice-President (University Advancement)
University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors
The Board is composed of:
(a) the following persons who are members by reason of their office:
(i) the chancellor;
(ii) the president;
(iii) the president of the University of Saskatchewan Students Union;
(b) five members appointed by the provincial government (Lieutenant Governor in Council);
(c) two members elected by the University of Saskatchewan Senate; and
(d) one faculty member who is elected by members of the University of Saskatchewan General Assembly who are faculty members.
University of Saskatchewan: Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation
The CCNI, established in 2011 at the University of Saskatchewan, will be supported initially by the Government of Saskatchewan. According to interim director, John Root, “Partnerships will engage other research institutions and industries from across Canada and around the world, leveraging additional resources for sustainable impact into the future.”
According to the August 28 issue of ON CAMPUS NEWS, “A detailed business plan is currently under development and will be presented to University Council and the Board of Governors this fall.
“The purpose of the centre is ‘to place Saskatchewan among the global leaders in nuclear research, development and training,’ said Root, who is on secondment from his role as director of the National Research Council’s Canadian Neutron Beam Centre at Chalk River, Ont. ‘We will get there through investing in partnerships with academia and industry. These partnerships are intended to maximize social and economic benefits.’
“The centre will focus in areas that have the potential to make significant contributions to nuclear knowledge, explained Root. These include: nuclear medicine, materials development, safety and practice in nuclear energy systems, and society’s knowledge and understanding of nuclear-related technology.
“’We are neither pro- nor anti-nuclear, but we do want to focus on the nuclear domain because it is an area where the U of S and the province have strengths that can deliver positive impacts in the province, Canada and the world,’ he noted. . . .
“’With $30 million of funding from the government ofSaskatchewan to support the centre for an initial seven-year period, expectations are mounting,’ said Root. ‘People will want to know if the centre was a good investment. We need to demonstrate results and benefits. There need to be discoveries, developments, and new ideas emerging from the U of S through our facilities, people and partnerships.’”
This appears to be the “New Centre for Research in Nuclear Medicine and Materials Science at U of S” announced by Premier Brad Wall and Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, and Minister responsible for both the Uranium Development Partnership and Enterprise Saskatchewan, in a news release on March 2, 2011.
“University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnonwelcomed the provincial investment and said the new research centre will complement and strengthen the university's existing nuclear research infrastructure. That includes the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, the Saskatchewan Research Council's SLOWPOKE research reactor and the university's STOR-M Tokamak fusion reactor.” Norris went on to say that “the new centre will make Saskatchewan the focal point for nuclear research and development in Western Canada.”
Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation Business Framework [2011]:
The province expects the CCNI to focus on valueâ€added nuclear technologies, whereas uranium mining and refining are beyond its scope. Examples of activities within the scope of the centre include: education to qualify people locally for nuclear operations; research activities that involve public and private partners developing nuclear technologies as a basis for inâ€province businesses in the sector; as well as building or operating some nuclear infrastructure for education, research and development . . . [p. 26]
Representing the founding stakeholders in developing the Business Framework:
· Karen Chad University of Saskatchewan, VP Research
· Chris Dekker Enterprise Saskatchewan, Chief Executive Officer
· Richard Florizone University of Saskatchewan, VP Finance and Resources
· Iain Harry Crown Investments Corp. of Saskatchewan, VP Crown Sector Initiatives
See also University of Saskatchewan: Canadian Light Source
University of Saskatchewan: Canadian Light Source Synchrotron
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is a third-generation 2.9 GeV synchrotronlocated at the University of Saskatchewan, one of forty-two such facilities in the world. It opened in 2004 after three years of construction and cost C$173.5 million. The CLS is operated by CLS Inc., a not-for-profit corporation owned by the University of Saskatchewan. Directors includeRichard Florizone and Karen Chad, vice-presidents at U of S.
On January 24, 2011, the federal and provincial governments announced a $12-million ($10 million from Ottawa, $2 million from the province) pilot project in Saskatoon to produce medical isotopes at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) by using linear accelerator technology instead of a more expensive and less reliable nuclear reactor. The project is one of four in the country that aim to study an as-yet unproven process that uses high energy particle accelerators, which do not require the weapons-grade uranium used in current isotope farming, to ensure a consistent supply of medical isotopes for Canada.
The production of medical isotopes at the U of S has been a selling point for a nuclear reactor on campus by both the University administration and the Saskatchewan Government since 2009. It was touted in the Uranium Development Partnership’s proposal for value-added uranium-based industries in Saskatchewan. In the University’s On Campus News, July 17, 2009, it was reported that “The University of Saskatchewan has joined a provincial working group set up to explore how Saskatchewan might provide a solution to the current shortage of medical isotopes in this country.
“The working group, co-chaired by Richard Florizone, vice-president of finance and resources, and Iain Harry, Crown Investment Corporation vice-president, was announced by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall in early July. Its mandate is to prepare an expression of interest for Natural Resources Canada’s Expert Review Panel on Medical Isotope Production recommending establishing a national nuclear studies centre of excellence at the university. The expression of interest will include building a nuclear research reactor for both isotope production and neutron science. For Florizone, the centre is a natural fit for the university. …
“In addition to Florizone, the university is represented on the Saskatchewan working group by Karen Chad, acting vice-president of research, Dr. William Albritton, dean of the College of Medicine, and Dean Chapman, Canada Research Chair in X-ray Imaging and the university’s special advisor on nuclear initiatives. Other members include representatives from Saskatchewan Health, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency along with other experts.Florizone said there are strong ties between the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and a research reactor in that both are used in materials studies.”
Although that particular Saskatchewan proposal was turned down by the federal government in April 2010, Florizone and Chapman continue to lobby for the development of the “Canadian Neutron Source.” At a cost of C$500-C$750 million, a 20 MWt research reactor would be built at the U of S, running on low-enriched uranium. The cost of this could be split between the federal and provincial governments, with income from commerical work once in operation. According to Physics in Canada (Jan.-Mar. 2010), Florizone and Chapman are partners with the University of Saskatchewan in a consortium to establish the Canadian Neutron Source research reactor facility.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the province of Saskatchewanand GE Hitachi, signed in August 2011, will facilitate the study of proton beam therapy technologies using Hitachi's developments in the area. It will use the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron facility to investigate development of new nuclear medicines and nuclear imaging technology. The work will be done in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan,University of Regina, Saskatchewan Research Council and the Synchrotron.
See also University of Saskatchewan: Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation
University of Saskatchewan Faculty
The Faculty of the University of Saskatchewan, as represented in the University’s General Assembly, is entitled to elect one member of theUniversity of Saskatchewan Board of Governors.
The General Assembly is composed of:
(a) the president; (b) the vice-presidents; (c) the secretary; (d) the registrar;
(e) all deans and directors employed by the university or an affiliated or federated college; (f) all faculty members; and (g) a number of full-time students who are to be elected by the full-time students.
University of Saskatchewan Senate
The Senate is composed of:
(a) the following persons who are members of the Senate by reason of their
office:
(i) the present and former chancellors;
(ii) the {resident and the vice-president or vice-presidents of the
university;
(iii) the minister;
(iv) the deputy minister of the department over which the minister
presides;
(v) the chairperson of the Educational Council continued pursuant to
The Education Act;
(vi) the principals of federated or affiliated colleges of the university;
(vii) the deans or acting deans of colleges that are established by the
university;
(viii) any other deans of academic and student affairs and directors
who are nominated by the president and approved by the senate;
(b) 14 members elected by the convocation to represent electoral districts
established by the senate. . .;
(c) 14 members [at large] elected by the convocation;
(d) six students who are registered in colleges other than the College of
Graduate Studies and Research and who are elected by students registered in
those colleges;
(e) one student who is registered in the College of Graduate Studies and
Research and who is elected by students registered in that college; and
(f) one representative from [selected] professional societies or other organizations.
University of Saskatchewan Students Union
Membership in the Students' Union is compulsory for all full-time, part-time and off-campus undergraduate and certificate students . . . . The Students' Union represents student concerns to the University, city, provincial and federal governments.
The 2011-12 executive members of the USSU are:
· Scott Hitchings, President and representative on the University ofSaskatchewan Board of Governors
· Alex Ferwerda, Vice President (Student Affairs)
· Kelsey Topola, Vice President (Academic Affairs)
· Reid Nystuen , Vice President (Operations and Finance)
Uranium Development Partnership
A highly instrumental initiative developed by the Saskatchewan Government to promote value-added uranium-based industries in Saskatchewan. It serves as the government master plan for nuclear development, largely promoted through Enterprise Saskatchewan and Crown Investments Corporation, but also through many other facets of provincial government economic planning and implementation.
Original members included:
· Dr. Richard Florizone, Vice President of Finance and Resources at theUniversity of Saskatchewan.
· Ray Ahenakew, Chief Executive Officer of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and President of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology.
· Keith Brown, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, President and founder of Trailtech Inc in Gravelbourg, Chairman of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development Partnership.
· Neil Collins, SaskPower, Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2067.
· Allan Earle, President of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association and Mayor of the Town of Dalmeny.
· Jerry Grandey, President and CEO of Cameco Corporation.
· Jim Hallick, Vice President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and a Coucillor for the RM of Keys.
· Duncan Hawthorne, President and CEO, Bruce Power Inc., Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Association, Director of the Energy Council of Canada and member of the Board of Governors of the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
· Armand Laferrere, President and CEO of AREVA Canada.
· Dr. Edward Mathie, Professor of Nuclear Physics at the University of Regina and a member of the Canadian Association of Physicists, the Canadian Institute of Particle Physics and the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics.
· Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, former President of Greenpeace Canada and a former Director of Greenpeace International, Chair and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit Strategies Ltd in Vancouver, B.C.
· Alex Pourbaix, President – Energy, TransCanada Corporation.
There are still references to the UDP’s existence online, but no current list of members appears to be available. Rob Norris is presently the Saskatchewangovernment minister responsible for UDP and at least one of his cabinet colleagues is still a member, Bill Boyd, who was the first minister responsible for UDP.
Western Canada - U.S. Energy Corridor
An initiative spearheaded by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall at the Western Governors’ Associationannual conference in Utah in 2009. Besides Mr. Wall, the meetings were also attended by Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach. The proposed energy corridor would be the largest of its kind in the world.
As a result of NAFTA, North America is already a well-integrated energy market with Canada and Mexico among the U.S.’s top energy trading partners. Through the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America(SPP), the North American Energy Working Group has further integrated a continental energy strategy. Other initiatives are also pushing towards a single North American energy policy.
Also known as the Western Inland Energy Corridor, the initiative focuses onU.S. energy security and access to oil produced by the Alberta-Saskatchewan tar sands. The proponents also recognize the potential of exporting other energy resources like nuclear and renewables from Canadato the U.S. But primarily nuclear is seen as providing “energy (heat) to the recovery and upgrading/conversion of critical unconventional fossil energy resources” like the Tar Sands, says Michael Hagood, Idaho National Laboratory (a nuclear research facility), who met with Bill Boyd and other Saskatchewan Government officials in Regina early in 2009.