Alberta's six Catholic bishops are calling for extensive public debate on nuclear power in the province because of the potential impact on future generations.

A recent internet survey organized by Alberta Energy only attracted 3,500 responses, Most Reverend Richard Smith, archbishop of Edmonton, told reporters Tuesday, and public consultation needs to be more far-reaching and in-depth.

"All we're saying is let's talk this through, let's be very prudent, let's be very cautious, let's be sure we've got all the information that we need before a decision is made," Smith said.

Bruce Power Alberta has picked a site about 30 kilometres north of Peace River as its preferred option for a new nuclear plant should the government approve. The proposed $10-billion facility is being touted as capable of producing enough electricity to power two million homes by 2017.

The Alberta government started a public consultation process in April, which included the internet survey. Smith and the other Alberta bishops said a lot more needs to be done.

"There could be televised debates that are sponsored for this; there could be town hall meetings; there could be roving visits throughout the province of groups bringing together the key stakeholders that are able to discuss publicly what some of these issues are and allow people of the province to ask questions and engage in the debate," Smith said.

The discussion on nuclear energy has focused on the science, Smith said, but there are ethical questions that also need to be considered, such as the stewardship of creation and the protection of human life.

Smith said the decision to call for more public consultation was made at meetings held last week in Edmonton, which included all six Alberta bishops.