Public engagement - how can we better communicate the risks and benefits of nuclear technology? Delivered by: Katherine Ward (Director, Communications, Power) at the Canadian Nuclear Society's 2016 Annual Conference

1. ›- Copyright -
›Catching the Wave
›Taking advantage of carbon awareness after COP21
Katherine Ward, Director, Power Communications
CNS Annual Conference 2016
Public Engagement – How Can We Better Communicate the Risks and Benefits of Nuclear Technology?

2. Global expertise delivered locally
2
› Work as one team
› Leverage cross-company synergies so clients benefit from our full expertise
› Possess network of high-quality local experts, contractors and labour
› Bring expertise that strengthens local communities

3. 3
Power sector experience

4. World-class safety
4
› We put people first
› Our goal: ‘zero injuries and incidents’
across our offices and worksites
Ethics & compliance
› Strong ethics & compliance culture
› Compliance training and annual
certification for all employees
› Antitrust and competition policy

5. “Social licence is more
important than ever.
Governments may be
able to issue permits, but
only communities can
grant permission.”

6. Importance of Social License
6
›What is social license?
› A local community’s acceptance or approval of a company’s project or
ongoing presence
› Informal and intangible
› Granted by a community based on opinions & views of stakeholders,
including local populations, aboriginal groups and other interested parties
› Easy to lose
›What it isn’t:
› Consent, as contemplated by law
› Regulatory license

7. Importance of Social License
7
›What does it look like?
› Reduction or absence of vocal opposition
› Advocacy and expression of support
› Constructive participation in dialogue
› Cooperation in community-based activities and enhancement
measures
› Willingness to enter into partnerships or other forms of agreement
› Favorable and balanced media coverage

8. Importance of Social License
8
•How do you earn it?
› Consultation and engagement – one-on-one
› Community information sessions, open houses, workshops
› Community investment programs
› Local employment/procurement programs
› Communicate, communicate, communicate

9. Impact of Social Media
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•Gives voice to previously isolated or remote stakeholders, who often
come with disproportionate credibility & trust.
•Allows users to self-organize rapidly into communities with shared
interests
•Stakeholders increasingly expect companies to engage
•Can serve as an “early warning” system and identify issues or areas
for improvement

10. Example: New Champlain Bridge, Montreal
10
The
schedule
The
environment
Quality and
durability
Visual
quality and
urban
integration
Heath and
safety
PPP
SNC-Lavalin
Corporate
Citizen’s
complaint
10

11. New Champlain Bridge, Montreal
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›Strategies
› Collaborate with the various stakeholders.
› Inform ahead of time.
› Listen. Be transparent.
› Profile various aspects of the project and ALWAYS the people.
› Make the information accessible to the lay public.
› Engage in media reporting.
› Use the international network of partners.

12. New Champlain Bridge, Montreal
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›Four key areas to consider
› Community Relations
› Public Information meetings
› Good Neighbourly Relations committees
› Notices
› Giving back to the community
› Call Centre for complaints/info requests
› Traffic & Road Closures
› Traffic announcers
› Piggyback on QC Ministry of Transportation’s
tools
› Social media
› Explain why
› Special notices for cyclists, pedestrians, boaters
› External Communications
› Digital communications,
including social media
›
› Video & photography
› Notices
› Media relations: technical
briefings, tours
› Crisis Communications

13. Local Resources Development Initiative (LRDI®)
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›Proprietary sustainability strategy
›Creates shared value between projects & local stakeholders
›Prioritizes socio-economic & community development
›Based on four main pillars
› Recording and tracking local labour force during construction phase
› Establishing training program for local labour force
› Optimizing local goods, services and businesses
› Providing support strategy for development of local communities and Aboriginal peoples
›

14. What does this mean for the nuclear industry?
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›Our stakeholders are demanding more
›Conversation, not one-way communication is necessary
›Messages must be clear:
› Nuclear energy is part of our lives today
› Nuclear is innovative
› Nuclear is clean

15. Changing attitudes: Is now the time?
›Climate change
› Front and centre
› Socio-political
›COP 21
› Historic climate agreement reached between 196 countries
› Limit to no more than 2 degrees above pre-industrial averages
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We must take advantage of this shift

16. SNC-Lavalin example: Small steps in the right
direction
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›Clear, crisp graphics that are “precise enough” for public:

17. SNC-Lavalin examples
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›Personal touch and simple repetitive message on social media:

18. Final Message: Our vision for the future
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› CANDU technology key to “greening” nuclear
energy production
› Our partnerships can power the world

19. snclavalin.com
Building
what matters