Over the past year, we’ve seen momentum build around what many are calling a true global nuclear renaissance. From your perspective, what does this renaissance mean, and why is it different from past moments of nuclear optimism?

There is wide-spread acceptance today more than ever of the rightful role large-scale nuclear power generation plays in providing reliable, stable, low-carbon baseload energy generation on an unprecedented scale, with both large-scale and SMR new-build commitments underway or planned globally to an unparalleled degree than ever before. 

Previously, the appreciation of the merits of a healthy nuclear power generation was primarily limited to the jurisdictions that operated nuclear fleets, while today there is a general global embrace of nuclear power as a net positive for society.  Additionally, with the rapid increase of AI and the need for intensive computing power through data centres with substantial energy demand to power them, the merits of SMR’s have been increasingly sought by those previously unfamiliar with the benefits of nuclear as a reliable source of localized power generation. 

With the world embracing nuclear more broadly, how can Canada strengthen its position as a leader, not just in reactors, but across the supply chain and innovation ecosystem?

Canada has been a respected and stalwart leader in the global nuclear community since the 1960’s.  With the profound shifts in trade and geopolitical dynamics regionally and globally, the market is ripe for Canada to establish new connections to trusted partners and deepen proven ties to existing ones.  We are ideally positioned to embrace this given our deeply respected profile of solid values coupled with broad, sound technical knowledge and proven experience.  In the 80’s and 90’s, Canada had one of the most robust, highest quality, integrated automotive supply chains globally, backed by a highly skilled, diverse workforce.  We have those same elements necessary to claim a similar dominance in nuclear—a robust nuclear industry, a sound integrated supply chain, a highly motivated and skilled workforce, and strong political backing at all levels of government on a scale we have not seen since we were leading in exporting new reactors around the world.  The time for Canada’s nuclear industry to shine on the global stage is NOW!

A renaissance brings opportunity but also challenges, what barriers still exist for Canada to fully realize the benefits of this global movement?

The fact is, most domestic Canadian nuclear expertise is understandably CANDU-technology focussed, and Canadian companies are effectively involved in every CANDU program globally where they operate.  However, a majority of the Canadian nuclear supply chain has limited expertise with Pressurized Water (PWR) and Boiling Water (BWR) style power reactors—the design for the majority of large-scale power reactors globally—and while the generic aspects of nuclear supplier competencies are common to the industry, we don’t have the same pervasive suite of operating knowledge in working on non-CANDU reactors.  A shift is starting, however, as we look to be the first jurisdiction to build the GEH-BWRX 300 megawatt SMR reactor at Darlington which many Canadian companies are participating in, and in turn will develop critical expertise on this first-off build that will be essentially needed for future builds globally.  As well, with large-scale new build on the horizon at OPG and Bruce Power, it’s still to be confirmed whether it will be a CANDU reactor, or a Westinghouse AP-1000. In either case, having a large-scale new build in Ontario will develop essential skills that would definitely be in demand globally and could justifiably be exported. 

The global embrace of nuclear means increased demand for talent and supply chains. How can Canada position its workforce and companies to seize these opportunities?

Given pressures on traditional industries due to higher interest rates and recent trade barriers due to tariffs, Canada has a large, skilled workforce that has been negatively impacted in these affected markets.  This workforce could be recruited and retrained to support the sustained demand for talent in the nuclear sector.  Additionally, we’re seeing increased investments in fostering awareness and opportunities for skilled trades amongst youth and within academic institutions, and coupled with growing social awareness of careers in the nuclear as viable and attractive options, we’ll continue to expand a mobilized and robust workforce and supply chain that can be leveraged to engage global opportunities.   New companies are entering the nuclear supply chain at an increasing rate, and as we continue to invest in our domestic nuclear fleet, the supply chain and workforce will continue to expand, and in turn, can be mobilized to capitalize on global opportunities. 

Looking ahead 10–20 years, what does success look like for Canada if we fully embrace and lead in this nuclear renaissance?

I envision if we continue the course set before us currently, Canada will have numerous large-scale new build reactors underway or completed at OPG and Bruce Power, dozens of SMR’s built and operating across the provinces at a scale challenging any other jurisdiction, and a world-leading medical isotope industry completely vertically integrated from irradiation of target material, through post-irradiation processing, pharmaceutical dosing and dispensing, and shipping globally, all backed by an integrated, highly-admired, pervasive supply-chain that is the envy of the develop world, where Canadian nuclear talent is synonymous with in-demand globally-leading best-in-class excellence! 

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Ontario’s demand for electricity is projected to increase by 75% by 2050. How is nuclear energy being positioned within the province’s new Integrated Energy Plan, ‘Energy for Generations,’ to meet this significant growth sustainably and securely?

Over the next 25 years, electricity demand in Ontario is projected to rise by 75 percent. This is being driven by electric vehicle adoption, population growth, electrification of transit and industry, and large-scale manufacturing returning to Ontario. That’s why our government introduced Energy for Generations, Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan, to ensure our province has enough clean, reliable, and affordable power to meet that demand. Nuclear is at the heart of this strategy. It already supplies more than half of Ontario’s electricity and played a leading role in the phase-out of coal, one of the largest greenhouse gas reduction efforts in North America. Nuclear is reliable, clean and supported by a skilled Ontario workforce. Under Energy for Generations, we are advancing a major nuclear build-out: the first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the G7 at Darlington, a potential refurbishment at Pickering, early-stage development of large-scale projects at Bruce and Wesleyville, and continued refurbishments at Darlington and Bruce. These investments are strengthening Ontario’s energy independence and securing clean power for generations to come. We’re doing this because we want to leave behind a better province for our children and grandchildren, one that is affordable, more self-reliant and built to last.

With new builds and life-extension projects underway, how is Ontario ensuring its nuclear expansion stays ahead of both rising demand and emerging innovations?

With energy demand growing rapidly across the province, Ontario is planning for the future now. Electricity demand is projected to grow by 75 percent by 2050, driven by electrification across housing, transit, industry, and population growth. That’s why our government is advancing a coordinated and ambitious nuclear expansion strategy. At the centre of this plan is the Darlington New Nuclear Project, where we are building the first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor in the G7. This single project will generate 1,200 megawatts of clean electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes while creating 18,000 jobs during construction and sustaining 3,700 highly skilled jobs over 65 years. It will inject $500 million annually into Ontario’s economy, contribute $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP, and ensure that 80 percent of project spending remains in the province. This is just the beginning. We are advancing early-stage planning at Bruce Power for up to 4,800 megawatts of new capacity, and at OPG’s Wesleyville site for up to 10,000 megawatts. We are also supporting the potential refurbishment of four Pickering units and have directed IESO and Bruce Power to explore life-extension options for Bruce Units 1 and 2. Ontario is delivering clean, affordable, and reliable power for families and businesses, while creating long-term jobs and global nuclear leadership.

Ontario is making headlines globally for its medical isotope production, particularly cancer-fighting isotopes. How does nuclear innovation in this area strengthen both our health care system and our leadership in the global nuclear sector?

Ontario is leading the world in the production of life-saving medical isotopes. These are essential tools in the fight against cancer and in keeping hospitals safe and sterile. And they’re made right here in Ontario as a by-product of our clean energy leadership. Bruce Power and Pickering supply around 50 percent of the world’s Cobalt-60, which is used to sterilize medical equipment and treat cancer. Bruce Power is also producing Lutetium-177 for targeted prostate cancer treatment and neuroendocrine tumours. Darlington is producing Molybdenum-99 and Helium-3, used in diagnostic scans. And by mid-2025, Ontario will begin producing Yttrium-90 at Darlington, a breakthrough isotope for liver cancer treatment. This innovation gives Ontario an edge in both health care and the global nuclear market. It supports research, fuels exports, creates high-paying jobs, and most importantly, improves outcomes for patients here at home and around the world. Through initiatives like the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO), we are strengthening partnerships between government, industry and hospitals to ensure Ontario remains a global leader in isotope development to help save lives and create breakthroughs in research. Our government will continue to back Ontario’s leadership in isotope innovation to save lives across the province and continue to grow our nuclear innovation.

The province recently launched a comprehensive plan to secure Ontario’s energy future. Can you walk us through how nuclear fits into this roadmap—not just as a power source, but as a driver of economic growth, skilled jobs, and energy independence?

Nuclear is one of Ontario’s most important economic drivers. It supports over 80,000 high-paying jobs and more than 200 Ontario-based companies. These are skilled tradespeople, engineers, manufacturers and suppliers, including people working across the province to power Ontario’s future.

For example, the Darlington refurbishment alone is expected to contribute $90 billion to Ontario’s GDP and support 14,200 jobs annually. The Bruce Power refurbishment supports 22,000 jobs each year and delivers $4 billion in economic benefit. And the proposed refurbishment of Pickering could add $19.4 billion to Ontario’s economy and support 11,000 jobs annually for more than a decade with 90 percent of project spending happening within Ontario.

Under the Integrated Energy Plan, Ontario has set a clear roadmap to increase nuclear’s share of the baseload supply from about 50 percent today to 75 percent by 2050. This means adding roughly 16,000 megawatts of net-new nuclear generation. These projects also support new builds. At Darlington, we are leading the world with the G7’s first SMR, with at least 80 percent of project spending staying in Ontario. This will create 17,000 jobs during construction, sustain 2,000 more for decades, and inject over $500 million annually into our economy.

Equally important, Ontario’s refurbishments are being delivered on time and on budget, which is a rarity globally, and more than 80 percent of spending stays here at home. We are also exporting our nuclear expertise abroad, with more than $1 billion in agreements signed with Estonia, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

We’re growing our economy, supporting working families and securing a domestic, clean and stable supply of power to support our nuclear future.

As global energy markets become more volatile and climate targets more urgent, how can Ontario’s nuclear sector lead Canada—and even the world—in delivering clean, stable, and geopolitically secure energy?

Ontario has built one of the cleanest, most reliable electricity systems in the world. We are the first jurisdiction in North America to fully eliminate coal and we did it with nuclear. Today, nuclear power provides more than 50 percent of Ontario’s electricity. Hydro accounts for another 24 percent, with wind and solar adding approximately 11 percent combined. But nuclear is what anchors the system. It’s emissions-free, reliable and it is made in Ontario. It keeps costs down and supports Ontario’s energy independence. Starting in 2025, we’ll add nearly 3,000 megawatts of energy storage, the equivalent of powering three million homes, to make our system even more flexible and reliable. We are the only province in Canada delivering nuclear refurbishments ahead of schedule and on budget. That record of performance matters especially as the world looks to secure clean energy in a time of rising global instability. While countries like China are moving aggressively to build and export nuclear technology, Ontario is showing that democratic, market-based economies can lead in clean energy deployment. We are building the first grid-scale SMR in the G7, right here at Darlington. These reactors are modular, scalable and ideal for both domestic use and export to our allies. By continuing to invest in nuclear, Ontario is helping Canada get to a 99% emissions-free electricity grid, a global benchmark for clean, reliable energy. Ontario is ready to lead and helping Canada and our global partners strengthen energy security, protect our clean grid and reduce dependence on authoritarian energy regimes.

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As someone with decades of experience in Canada’s nuclear industry, what excites you most about the current trajectory of nuclear energy in the country?

This is my 3^rd nuclear renaissance in 35 years and I truly believe this one is going to stick. The climate crisis has changed people’s minds about nuclear and as a result we are being welcomed in places we haven’t been before or at least not for awhile both across Canada and globally.   I’m excited about the different opportunities for different types of SMRs-both in technology and size including those that focus on supplying the grid, supplying high temperature steam and microSMRs for smaller applications and communities. The equity opportunities for both Indigenous communities and businesses is also at a different level than ever before and the nuclear industry is demonstrating that it is truly committed to reconciliation. 

As Canada continues to invest in nuclear as a key pillar of its energy strategy, how do you see Indigenous communities shaping the future of nuclear development and deployment across the country?

No longer are Indigenous communities an afterthought in the development of projects.  The industry is developing relations in some cases before they are at the project stage including co-planning and making equity agreements from the beginning. Furthermore, the industry appreciates the benefits of these relationships and agreements as information is shared from knowledge keepers and the advocacy of community leaders assists in licensing and social acceptance.  No longer do I find myself as one of the few Indigenous people in nuclear as more and more join us across all areas not just Indigenous Relations.

How has the concept of “nuclear host community” evolved in Canada, and what should it mean in today’s context of collaboration and innovation?

When I think of host communities I think firstly of municipalities where nuclear has a presence.  This now includes communities who are simply considering nuclear and goes beyond the town to the counties benefitting from the industry in their geographical areas.  Those municipalities are also learning more earlier in the process of considering new projects and have more opportunities to be involved in possible partnerships and opportunities.  This has been well illustrated by the NWMO’s relationship with Ignace and Energy Alberta’s Peace River Project. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Canada is world leading in this area as recognized recently in Vienna.

In your experience, what are the most important elements for building trust between the nuclear industry and the communities it serves?

Transparency and lots of communication.  There is a line between too little and too much communication but in my experience you can’t really over communicate with communities.  Building a relationship before you ever start discussing projects although not always possible is also key.  As we say in the Indigenous space, it takes 500 cups of tea to build that relationship so it’s best to start early. Also patience is key, as my sister often says we need to build relationships at the speed of trust which applies to all communities not just Indigenous ones. Finally have a diverse representative talk to your diverse audience not focusing on technical arguments but on personal connections and storytelling.

How can Indigenous knowledge enhance environmental stewardship and safety in nuclear projects?

Using traditional knowledge to evaluate environmental assessments should be a requirement for all nuclear projects. Deep understanding of local ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management are three of the things Indigenous knowledge offers to any development.  Also this early engagement means there is less likely to be something overlooked in all areas of possible impacts which can change throughout the seasons.  Once example I will offer from the uranium mining exploration industry is the need to coordinate any exploration on traditional lands around mating seasons and hunting/fishing seasons to ensure the animals and trappers/tallymen are not adversely impacted.

Anything else you would like to add?

The nuclear industry has opportunities for everyone, in all areas of work beyond engineering, construction and operations.  We need to get the word out about the opportunities and attract the best and brightest to ensure we can get the many possible projects to the finish line.  Nuclear offers a real answer to the climate crisis and opportunities for Indigenous generational change.

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From your perspective, how is the nuclear industry evolving in terms of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities?

We’re beginning to see a slow but promising shift toward genuine inclusion and engagement from major players in the nuclear industry. It’s no longer just about checking boxes or hosting one-off consultations. One example I like to point to is the expansion of the Nawash Ice Rink in my community. With support from nuclear proponents, we’ve seen real investment in infrastructure that matters to us. These kinds of tangible contributions show that industry partners are starting to understand that meaningful engagement means listening, investing, and showing up consistently, not just when it’s convenient.

What role do you see Indigenous-owned corporations playing in the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), especially in remote communities?

Indigenous-owned corporations and Nations aren’t just participants in SMR deployment, they are the pilots, the proving grounds, and the high watermark by which the success of SMRs will be judged for the rest of their deployment and life cycle. Many remote communities in Canada are primarily populated by First Nations, which makes them the natural leaders in this space. These communities offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate how SMRs can be implemented responsibly, sustainably, and in alignment with Indigenous values.

When Indigenous businesses and Nations lead these pilot projects, they set the standard for what meaningful engagement, environmental stewardship, and community benefit should look like. The rest of the industry will look to these projects as benchmarks. It’s not just about bringing power to remote areas; it’s about empowering communities to shape the future of energy on their own terms. This is where reconciliation meets innovation, and where Indigenous leadership becomes the cornerstone of Canada’s nuclear future.

Makwa Development has been a leader in bridging Indigenous business with the nuclear supply chain. What progress have you seen in Indigenous participation in nuclear procurement and infrastructure development?

We’ve seen a growing interest from Indigenous businesses trying to break into the nuclear space, but the path hasn’t always been smooth. Many have faced barriers, whether it’s navigating complex procurement systems, meeting stringent regulatory requirements, or simply being taken seriously by established players. At Makwa Development, we’ve worked hard to build those bridges, advocate for Indigenous inclusion, and create pathways that are accessible and sustainable. Progress is happening, but it requires ongoing support, mentorship, and a willingness from industry leaders to open doors and walk alongside us.

What kinds of workforce development or training investments are most effective in preparing Indigenous workers for roles in Nuclear?

The most effective training investments are those that meet people where they are. We’ve found success by working directly with the existing employment and training offices within local First Nations. These are trusted spaces, and when we collaborate with community employment officers, we’re able to connect with talent in a way that feels authentic and respectful. Right now, we’re running a Quality Control Inspector (QCI) training program for 10 Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) band members. After 8 weeks of classroom instruction and 3 weeks of hands-on training, they’ll be certified and placed into meaningful career opportunities. It’s a model that works because it’s built on trust and community leadership.

What do you believe are the key-elements of a long-term partnership between the nuclear sector and Indigenous communities?

Understanding and respect, those are the pillars. Long-term partnerships must be rooted in reconciliation, not just economic opportunity. That means listening deeply, following the lead of each Indigenous Nation, and recognizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. A cookie-cutter engagement strategy is colonial by nature and risks alienating the very communities you’re trying to work with. Indigenous Nations are dealing with real crises. Poverty, addiction, housing shortages – and those issues take precedence. Be patient. Be present. And remember: engagement is not a transaction, it’s a relationship.

Indigenous-led partnerships in the energy industry are not just possible – they’re essential. By empowering communities to lead, we ensure that development is rooted in respect, reconciliation, and real opportunity. As the original keepers of the land, we are committed to walking the good path in all aspects of energy development on Turtle Island. Makwa Development is proud to be at the forefront, building bridges between Indigenous talent and Canada’s nuclear future.

Anything else you would like to add?

Makwa Development is open for business and excited to continue making an impact in our local communities. We’re here to build, to collaborate, and to ensure that Indigenous voices are not just heard, but centered, in Canada’s nuclear future. The opportunities ahead are immense, and we’re ready to lead the way.

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Could you elaborate on how nuclear isotopes are fundamental to Canada’s healthcare industry and beyond?

Today, nuclear isotopes are vital to Canadian healthcare, playing a key role in medical diagnostics, cancer treatment, and equipment sterilization. Isotopes power millions of diagnostic PET and SPECT scans each year, including over 1 million in Canada alone. These scans provide physicians the tools they need to accurately detect, diagnose, and monitor conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders, enabling timely and effective treatment decisions. Isotopes are also used in cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical drugs that are transforming the way we treat cancers through targeted radiotherapy and precision medicine. In healthcare, isotopes are powerful tools that are enabling more personalized, effective treatments with fewer side effects, driving a new era in oncology. Finally, isotopes are essential to the sterilization of medical tools, helping to ensure patient safety and effective treatments.

Beyond healthcare, isotopes support a wide range of industries through applications such as non-destructive testing, food sterilization, and advanced research in materials and nuclear science. In industrial settings, isotopes help inspect the integrity of critical infrastructure, ensuring safety and reliability. In agriculture, gamma radiation from isotopes is used to eliminate bacteria, pests, and pathogens, significantly extending shelf life and reducing food waste. Additionally, isotopes play a key role in scientific research, helping to develop new materials, improve manufacturing processes, and advance nuclear technologies. Their versatility makes them indispensable tools for innovation across multiple sectors.

Given the increasing global demand and the rapid advancements in nuclear medicine, how does maintaining Canada’s prominent role in the global isotope market contribute to our nation’s well-being and strategic advantage?

Maintaining Canada’s prominent role in the global isotope market contributes significantly to our nation’s well-being by ensuring a reliable and secure supply of critical isotopes for all industries. About 60% of Canada’s GDP is comprised of industries that rely on isotopes in some capacity. In healthcare, a reliable domestic supply helps protect Canadians from potential global shortages that could disrupt vital diagnostics and treatments. Sustained Canadian leadership in isotopes encourages ongoing investment in research and development, generates economic activity, creates high-skilled jobs in science and technology sectors, and keeps Canada at the forefront of emerging therapies and technologies that improve health outcomes and support national security. 

Beyond traditional academic and industry collaborations, how is the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council actively engaging with critical infrastructure organizations, such as utility providers, transportation networks, and specialized logistics companies, to ensure the secure, efficient, and widespread deployment of isotopes across all regions of Canada?

In the last year, the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) has grown to nearly 115 members spanning the entire isotope production and delivery pipeline. Since its inception in 2018, the CNIC has worked to ensure participation from all facets of the industry, including large-scale producers of isotopes, researchers and scientists, radiopharmaceutical companies, and the companies that help to connect the supply chain from production to patient delivery. Today, the CNIC has a broad range of members within this supply chain network, including companies that provide specialized equipment and services like packaging, logistics, shielding, engineering services, and more.

One of the greatest challenges in delivering radiopharmaceutical drugs is that many have short half-lives and decay rapidly. This means they must be produced, transported, and administered to patients within a minimal time frame, requiring specialized infrastructure and coordinated distribution networks.

Canada’s isotope advantage comes from its strengths in both infrastructure and delivery. Through its work alongside its continually growing membership, the CNIC works with leaders from the utilities, the radiopharmaceutical community, and healthcare partners, as well as the entire supply chain to ensure widespread, timely delivery of isotopes across the country.

With Canada’s historical leadership in the nuclear isotope sector, what new types of international collaborations is the CNIC pursuing to accelerate the development and delivery of next-generation isotopes on a global scale?

The CNIC is the voice of the Canadian isotope community on the international stage. This means that we actively work to establish and maintain strong relationships with key global partners to highlight the important work happening in Canada and to work collectively with the global community on matters like ensuring a reliable supply of isotopes. 

In March 2025, the CNIC is proud to have announced a new partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in support of the Rays of Hope campaign. Rays of Hope is a global cancer initiative that aims to improve access to cancer care and radiotherapy infrastructure around the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).While isotopes are rapidly becoming the standard of care for cancer patients in Canada and elsewhere in the world, several countries lack the facilities, infrastructure, and trained personnel needed to provide life-saving nuclear medicine treatments and diagnostics. Since Rays of Hope began, more than 20 countries have contributed over $80 million USD in total to start delivering tangible projects and results in 30+ countries around the globe. These projects have delivered essential radiotherapy and medical imaging machines, as well as training for medical professionals to operate the equipment and deliver diagnostics and treatments.

Recognizing Canada’s historic leadership role in isotope research, development, and innovation, the CNIC is proud to be working directly with the IAEA to encourage greater Canadian participation in the Rays of Hope initiative.

How is the CNIC actively cultivating a more integrated and resilient “ecosystem” across Canada’s entire nuclear isotope supply chain, from foundational research and production to advanced distribution and clinical application, to sustain innovation and secure Canada’s long-term leadership in this field?

The CNIC is actively working to strengthen the Canadian isotope ecosystem to increase production, encourage innovation and research, and create opportunities for collaboration across industry, academia, and government.

In June 2025, we were proud to host our largest-ever Canadian Radiotheranostics Leaders’ Summit. The Leaders’ Summit is our annual event hosted in partnership with a coalition of leading Canadian academic centres of excellence including University Health Network, BC Cancer, London Health Sciences, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, in partnership with the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem. This year, we welcomed over 400 leaders from across the Canadian isotope and radiopharmaceutical community, including both supply chain representatives and healthcare professionals. We were also pleased to feature an expanded student program, a Call for Abstracts to encourage trainee participation, and an exhibitor hall. 

Uniquely, the Leaders’ Summit is the only one of its kind in the radiopharmaceutical space that encourages equal participation between academia and industry. Together, we are working to develop a more unified strategy to advance Canada’s role in isotope innovation and access. 

We look forward to hosting the 2026 Leaders’ Summit in May in Toronto again and continuing to grow this event even more next year! 

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Canada’s leading polytechnic, Humber, has launched its School of Clean Energy to train talent, advance research, and drive the clean energy economy.

Leading the charge in a changing energy world 

With global energy demands rising and climate change intensifying, the need for secure, reliable power is reshaping economies and industries. Ontario alone will need to more than double its electricity generation by 2050 to remain competitive. Meeting these challenges at home and abroad will require more than technology — it will require a highly skilled, visionary workforce that’s ready to lead. 

This fall, Humber Polytechnic is launching the School of Clean Energy, leveraging our award-winning campus as a living lab to deliver applied learning opportunities that will equip students with specialized skills in renewable energy, smart grids, battery storage, and AI-driven energy optimization that our future demands. Named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 10 consecutive years and on track to be the first higher education institution to achieve net-zero by 2029, Humber is setting a new standard by embedding sustainability into our operations, programming, and partnerships.

By integrating academic programming, applied research, and experiential learning, the School of Clean Energy will prepare a diverse pipeline of professionals to enter high-demand careers in the clean energy sector.

Partnering to strengthen Canada’s nuclear energy leadership 

Canada has the knowledge, technology, and experience to lead the clean energy transition, particularly in nuclear power. The School of Clean Energy builds on Humber’s leadership in this sector through strategic partnerships with Ontario Tech University, the Canadian Nuclear Association, and global industry leaders such as AtkinsRéalis. Together, we’re developing a national network of partners to prepare the workforce Canada needs for its largest and most ambitious nuclear energy projects.

Through initiatives like the Canadians for CANDU campaign, Humber is helping to showcase Canada’s world-class CANDU reactor technology as a trusted solution for clean, reliable power. Our partnership with Ontario Tech combines their unmatched nuclear engineering programs with our applied learning expertise, ensuring graduates are career-ready and positioned to lead. 

Building talent for a net-zero future

The clean energy transition is both a national priority and a global opportunity. By integrating academic programming, applied research, and experiential learning, the School of Clean Energy will prepare a diverse pipeline of professionals to enter high-demand careers in the clean energy sector. We’re also creating new pathways for Indigenous learners and underrepresented groups to access opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector. 

Whether it’s training nuclear technicians, advancing small modular reactor research, or driving clean energy innovation across disciplines, Humber is investing in the people who will power a net-zero future. Canada’s moment is here, and with the School of Clean Energy, we’re ready to seize it. 

Learn more at humber.ca/cleanenergy.

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Nuclear energy is affordable, reliable, clean, and sustainable. This zero-emission source of energy is responsible for about 15 per cent of Canada’s electricity, and around 50 per cent of Ontario’s. Canada currently has four operational nuclear power plants — three in Ontario and one in New Brunswick — which combined house 22 nuclear power reactors.

One of these plants is the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS), located in the City of Pickering, just east of Toronto and on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), PNGS has been generating power for Ontario residents for over five decades. Now, it’s poised to help shape the province’s energy future through a major refurbishment initiative.

A part of Canada’s clean energy capital

Pickering has been a nuclear host community since 1971. Being a hub for nuclear energy has helped to shape the city’s identity, strengthened its economy, and helped position the Durham Region as a leader in Canada’s clean energy transition.

Four of Pickering’s eight reactor units — units 5 to 8 — are currently licensed to operate through December 2026. OPG, with the support of Province of Ontario, has submitted a request for a 10-year licence renewal, which includes approval to refurbish these units and extend their operation for another 30-plus years — an initiative projected to bring major benefits to both the city and the province.

“Recognized as one of Canada’s most livable cities, Pickering plays a vital role in Durham Region’s leadership as the clean energy capital of Canada,” says Mayor Kevin Ashe. “The refurbishment of PNGS will create thousands of skilled jobs, strengthen energy resilience, and support the electrification of our economy while helping to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

Recognized as one of Canada’s most livable cities, Pickering plays a vital role in Durham Region’s leadership as the clean energy capital of Canada.

Driving economic opportunity

Once the project is complete, PNGS will produce over 2,100 megawatts of electricity — enough to power two million homes and businesses across the province. It’ll also be an economic boon for the City of Pickering, bringing not only thousands of highly skilled jobs to the City but also multi-billion dollar economic impact throughout the refurbishment period, benefiting Durham Region and beyond.

Many local companies will play a vital role to support every step of the nuclear energy process. Beyond OPG, many construction and engineering services companies, contractors, electronic instrumentation distributors, IT and strategy consultants, and nuclear power plant lifecycle support services will play a critical role in the refurbishment project. Key players include Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Black & McDonald Ltd., Framatome, Alithya, Tetra Tech, and BWX Technologies/Kinectrics.

The PNGS refurbishment project is currently in the planning and preparation phase, and the full refurbishment is expected to begin in 2027 and to be completed by the mid-2030s. It’s an exciting time for the City of Pickering, the Durham Region, Ontario, and, indeed, all of Canada — further cementing our role as a global leader in clean energy innovation and sustainable development.

To learn more, visit pickering.ca.

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Jobs for Saskatchewan, benefits for First Nations, and clean energy sovereignty for Canada — Rook I is ready.

The Building Canada Act is now the law of the land, but it remains to be seen exactly what shape this decisive new course for Canada will take. We’ve been told the goal is to fast-track large projects that will strengthen Canada’s autonomy, security, and economy in a time of international uncertainty. In the context of an ongoing climate emergency and a looming global energy crisis, when we talk about “Building Canada,” we must talk uranium.

Over a decade ago in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin, NexGen Energy discovered Arrow — one of the largest, highest grade uranium deposits on the planet. It has gained global notoriety amidst the rapidly growing and unprecedented demand for clean, reliable and affordable baseload energy. Once federally approved and in production, NexGen’s Rook I Project will account for approximately 20 per cent of the world’s current total uranium production, firmly establishing Canada as the world’s largest supplier of uranium fuel.

The world looks to Canada for clean energy leadership

This new golden age of Canadian uranium mining is highly material to the world’s nuclear fleet, especially at a time when global energy demands are skyrocketing with urgency and purpose. We’re in a burgeoning energy crisis already, and it will only become starker as the developing world modernizes. And that was true even before electricity-hungry AI technologies started spreading like wildfire through all industries and all facets of life.

“New power has to be produced in order to meet this exponential demand growth,” says Leigh Curyer, NexGen Founder and CEO. “For the health of the world, the supply of clean, safe, cost-effective power is absolutely primary. Having adequate power infrastructure in place underpins standard of living, especially in parts of the world where large populations are being modernized. The world needs more electricity, and it needs to be clean, reliable, and affordable.”

And while nuclear power has moved from the sidelines to the centre of the global energy preference, its largescale development however, is dependent on a parallel growth in the world’s uranium supply, much of which remains under Russian influence. There’s a growing uranium gap, and the diplomatic and sovereignty implications couldn’t be clearer. Developing a robust domestic supply will safeguard Canada’s economy and autonomy while also positioning us as a global energy leader. But developing these resources takes time, and the clock is ticking.

Having adequate power infrastructure in place underpins standard of living, especially in parts of the world where large populations are being modernized. The world needs more electricity, and it needs to be clean, reliable, and affordable.

Shovels poised and ready

NexGen’s Rook I Project received full sign-off from Saskatchewan’s provincial government in November 2023, after passing a comprehensive environmental review. Premier Scott Moe has identified the project as shovel-ready with community approval and clear economic benefit, calling it a “generational opportunity for Saskatchewan.” Rook I over the construction and production period is projected to create 1,400 total jobs per annum, with a forecasted total economic impact to Canada and Saskatchewan of $37 billion.

Furthermore, the Project has received full Indigenous support through the signing of collaboratively developed benefit agreements with all four identified First Nations communities with an interest in the project area. NexGen works in collaboration with the local communities to deliver impactful training and education programs that have resulted in more than 500 community members participating in trades training and certification, more than 125 young students participating in NexGen’s summer student program working alongside NexGen staff, and a total of 38 scholarships awarded in support of local youth pursuing their education and career goals. 2025 has marked unprecedented growth in these career and skills development initiatives, and these Indigenous communities are ready and waiting for development to begin.

“Mark Carney has told Canada he wants to make the country a new economic superpower through the development of resources projects, and the introduction of Bill C-5 and the Building Canada Act is an excellent initiative to expedite that,” says Curyer. “I don’t know of another project that meets the definition of Building Canada better than NexGen’s Rook I.”

Finish line in sight for Rook I, but the global energy race is just beginning

On November 19th, NexGen will go before the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for a hearing addressing the environmental impact of Rook I as well as other technical and social aspects of the project, reviewing material already examined at the provincial level. There will then be a second hearing in February 2026, with a final federal decision to follow within 60 days. On this timetable, shovels may finally break the ground in April, more than 12 years after the initial discovery of the Arrow deposit.

“We’re very respectful of regulatory oversight,” says Curyer, noting he is encouraged by Carney’s desire to remove federal duplication in situations where a province has already approved a project, and where there is already First Nations support. “The process from an environmental, technical, and social perspective is incredibly rigorous at the provincial level. As it should be. But then that whole process gets re-reviewed by the federal government. In Rook I’s case, those First Nations communities have expressed very clearly and publicly that they’re ready for Rook I to move forward.”    

The rigor with which Canada oversees marquis nation building projects like Rook I — ensuring their safety, environmental stewardship, economic benefit, and Indigenous buy-in — should be a point of pride. We must ensure that nothing ever undermines it. But it’s essential that this strong and sound globally recognized regulatory framework become more agile in order for Canada to realize its potential as the world’s energy super power. The challenges Canada faces today cannot wait a dozen years for a solution. The ones we face tomorrow will be less patient still.

To learn more, visit nexgenenergy.ca.

The post Building Canada’s Uranium Supply: Nation Building in Action appeared first on HiveInnovates.

GE Vernova Hitachi is leading the way in SMR technology with proven deployment advantage, regulatory readiness, and active construction progress at Darlington.

As Canada works toward net-zero emissions, small modular reactors (SMRs) will play a key role. SMRs are more cost-effective than traditional nuclear reactors, faster to deploy, and better-equipped to power remote or off-grid locations. Their compact size, safety-focused design, and operational flexibility make SMRs well-suited to support Canada’s clean energy transition.

Delivering the Western World’s first SMR

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) is delivering the world’s first commercial, grid-scale SMR at the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Bowmanville, Ontario, along with Ontario Power Generation, Aecon and AtkinsRéalis.

Earlier this year, GVH’s SMR technology, the BWRX-300, made history when it was approved for construction by the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation. “The BWRX-300 is the only shovels-in-the-ground project of its kind in the western world.” says Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader at GVH. “We have decades of experience in terms of our ability to deliver.” GVH has deployed more than 60 boiling water reactors across 10 countries around the world. 

The Darlington New Nuclear Project has been set up for success by its partners and the proven success of the Darlington refurbishment, which was completed ahead of schedule and on-budget. “This project is really laying the groundwork for the future in a number of ways. People want to learn from what we’re doing here in Ontario,” says McBride. “The whole world is watching.”

GVH also has an existing, licensed fuel design, based on proven boiling water reactor technology. “This is critical when it comes to delivery timelines and market readiness.” says McBride. 

The BWRX-300 is the only shovels-in-the-ground project of its kind in the Western world.

Activating a pan-Canadian supply chain

GVH offers the most advanced SMR solution available today. By building capacity in Ontario and creating scalable, “nth-of-a-kind” delivery models, GVH is lowering costs, and making SMR adoption viable for other provinces.

“Another key element that de-risks the project is our opportunity to work with the Ontario supply chain,” says McBride, noting that the supply chain in Ontario has demonstrated its capability to deliver.

McBride notes that this project leverages “the best athletes in Canada”, pulling from GVH’s qualified supplier group to help ensure a reliable, cost effective and innovative process.  

The Darlington project is expected to create 18,000 jobs during its construction, manufacturing, and operation. GVH’s new Canadian BWRX-300 Engineering and Service Centre will further bolster Ontario’s nuclear leadership and attract up to 2,000 nuclear professionals, suppliers, and international partners annually.

By enabling a generation of clean energy workers and suppliers who can support SMR deployments across multiple jurisdictions, the Darlington project is a national benchmark: providing clean, reliable energy while creating good jobs, mobilizing the supply chain, and demonstrating what’s possible for other provinces like Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta, all of which have committed to collaborating on the deployment of SMRs in Canada. Building off this momentum, SaskPower has selected the BWRX-300 for potential deployment in the mid-2030s.

This foundation strengthens Canada’s global competitiveness in SMR deployment, enabling exports, workforce mobility, and delivery in markets like Poland and Sweden.

Learn more at gevernova.com/nuclear.

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