Ontario has a nuclear advantage.  Unfortunately, many in the province don't realize it -- or how much it benefits them.  The Ontario Government's Long-Term Energy Plan, expected to be released shortly, provides a timely opportunity for some fresh thinking about nuclear energy.When we flick on the lights, turn on the computer, or charge electric vehicles, we give no thought to how our electricity is produced.  We should take comfort in knowing that nuclear power is the backbone of Ontario's electricity system.Nuclear power provides families and businesses with a low-cost, safe, reliable source of electricity, and it makes our Energy Star appliances even greener.  For those who like solid facts: Ontario's nuclear plants supply over 13,000 MW of clean power – or, about 60% of Ontarians' needs every day of the week, every week of the year.  What's more, as Ontario's electricity demand increases, with people turning to electric vehicles and the province growing in population and economic activity, nuclear power can expand to ensure our electricity stays clean.When we think of the challenges of climate change, and the need for carbon-pricing, we do not automatically realize that nuclear power is virtually GHG-emissions-free.  The clean electricity from nuclear generation is not impacted by cap-and-trade costs.When we urge our governments to do something about the effects of climate change, we don't always grasp that Ontario's ability to end coal-fired generation was largely made possible by the return to service of two Bruce Power reactors.  The clean, smog-free air in parts of southern Ontario is a blessing to those with asthma or breathing problems.  Today, Ontario has over 90% of its electricity powered by clean energy sources.  Nuclear shoulders two-thirds of that.When we think of soaring hydro prices, we often tend to lump all generation sources together.  We assume they're all equally to blame for producing expensive electricity.  But that's not the case.  According to the Ontario Energy Board, Nuclear generation in Ontario is currently paid 6.6 cents/kWh, compared to the average residential price of 11 cents/kWh.  And the power that's bought by Ontario's consumers is reliable, not intermittent, and not dependent on the fluctuations of weather.  Thankfully.When we think of friends and family who have undergone treatment for cancer and when we assume that the medical equipment used around them is safely sterilized, we don't say thank goodness for nuclear reactors.  But we should.  The reactors at Bruce Power and OPG's Pickering plant produce 70% of the world's Cobalt-60, used to attack cancer cells.  Cobalt-60 is also used to sterilize gowns, gloves, implantable devices and syringes in hospitals in Ontario and around the world.  What other energy sources treat cancer and save lives?  Nuclear does.When we think of high-tech, good-paying jobs for our families and children, we seldom look first to Ontario's nuclear industry.  But do Ontarians realize how many jobs are supported by the nuclear industry and how much communities benefit from having companies in the nuclear supply chain?  The nuclear industry in Canada contributes over $6 billion annually to the economy and supports 60,000 direct and indirect jobs.  Many of these are in Ontario, and they stay in Ontario because of the expertise and high-quality manufacturing and engineering skills required by the industry.When it comes to innovation in advanced energy technologies, you need only cite the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) or the next generation of inherently safe reactors that recycle fuel to feel the excitement among the younger generation of scientists, engineers and environmentalists.  They see increasingly what new innovations in nuclear can do to bring reliable, safe, emissions-free energy – in the quantities needed – to an energy-hungry world desperately wanting more.  They will be the generation to deliver this extraordinary benefit to humanity.When we take all these facts into consideration what we get is a clear picture of Ontario's incredible nuclear advantage.  Nuclear provides solutions to the pressing needs of today and tomorrow while contributing to growth, to the environment, and to an innovative, clean energy future.  Ontario's world-class nuclear sector is something of which Ontarians and all Canadians can be proud.  Ontario's forthcoming Long-Term Energy Plan should recognize this reality – and capitalize on it.Dr. John Barrett is President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA), a non-profit organization established in 1960 to represent the nuclear industry in Canada. His career spans the federal public service, international organizations, policy think-tanks and universities, with a focus on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.  Dr. Barrett has guided numerous international negotiations, most recently as Canada's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, where he was Chair of the IAEA's Board of Governors.  For a fact-based presentation of Canada's nuclear success story, visit the CNA's new website: www.ontariosnuclearadvantage.com