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Saskatchewan is years or even decades away from a decision on nuclear power, but Orano Canada Inc.’s new chief executive says he wants to take a more active role in advocating for what many believe is a major step toward addressing climate change.

That means pitching atomic energy as a cleaner, safer alternative to coal and natural gas, especially to younger people who are increasingly concerned about the long-term effects of pollution on the environment, Jim Corman said.

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“That generation understands the challenges that are ahead of us, in some cases maybe more so than other generations do. They’re becoming more vocal and they’re becoming a group that can help when they understand the benefits of our industry,” he said.

That represents a shift for the company, which has traditionally kept a low profile in Saskatchewan.

Corman, who grew up in Regina and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, spent most of his career working for Orano’s predecessor companies, Cogema and Areva, in Saskatchewan before taking a job with the French state-owned firm in Paris.