The 'nuclear renaissance': The changing discourse of atomic energy and the paradox of the green atom

This thesis will explore the relationship between discourse and democracy by examining the evolution of nuclear energy politics in Canada. It will document the rise and fall of a Canadian anti-nuclear movement and make a case for why this movement has not been revived to correspond to what have been the beginnings of a marked expansion of nuclear power in recent years. It will argue that the central reason for this relative lack of opposition is the current framing of nuclear power is highly compelling because it presents atomic energy as the panacea for the dual problems of energy scarcity and climate change. The broad public appeal and acceptance of this framing has created a new and dominant discourse around nuclear power.;The dominance of this discourse has reduced the space for the counter-arguments that, in the past, accompanied the claims made in favour of nuclear energy. In effect, this has worked to de-politicize a once controversial topic, and consequently, has reduced the scope for investigation into the relative merits and shortcomings of the nuclear sector. The evolution of nuclear discourse, from a complicated and multi-faceted discussion into a single dominant rationale, and the consequent limiting of debate are problematic because they hinder critical examination and active public involvement in the issue. This demonstrates the profound impact that discourse can have on the processes of public policy and the gaining of public consent.