The Green Party of Ontario has passed a resolution at its 2024 annual general meeting which reverses a long history of blanket opposition to nuclear energy.

The resolution says the party would support the continued use of nuclear power alongside other forms of low-carbon emission energy production, “in the case when it is the most environmentally and fiscally responsible option, and with respect for the sovereignty of Indigenous Nations”.

The resolution was welcomed by the Society of United Professionals (SUP), a labour union, which said there is scientific consensus that a significant increase in nuclear energy, in tandem with hydro, non-hydro renewables, storage and other ultra-low emission energy sources, is needed to power the electrification of the economy required to reach net-zero emissions.

“Given the Green Party’s long-standing opposition to nuclear energy, we were pleasantly surprised to see this resolution pass,” SUP president Michelle Johnston said.