INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATIONS
The Canadian Nuclear Industry
Canada’s nuclear sector includes electricity generators, uranium producers, waste management organizations, and federally owned laboratories. These organizations operate nuclear facilities or manage nuclear-related activities across several provinces and are regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
Municipal, regional, and provincial governments frequently interact with these organizations in relation to site operations, emergency preparedness, land-use planning, infrastructure coordination, and public communications.
Nuclear Power Plant Operators
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) operates the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations. Bruce Power operates the Bruce A and Bruce B Nuclear Generating Stations. Together, these facilities provide over 60% of Ontario’s electricity supply and involve long-term operations, refurbishment activities, and ongoing regulatory oversight.
The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, operated by NB Power, is located in New Brunswick and is Canada’s only nuclear power plant outside Ontario. The station uses a CANDU 6 reactor and supplies electricity to the province while supporting regional employment and infrastructure.
All operating commercial reactors in Canada are CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactors — pressurized heavy water reactors that use natural uranium fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator.
For host communities, power plant operations influence emergency planning arrangements, workforce levels, refurbishment timelines, infrastructure demands, and ongoing engagement with regulators and operators.
Additional Resources –
- Nuclear fission and the basics of nuclear reactors – Learning activities
- CANDU 6 Reactor – how it works
Uranium Mining and Fuel Supply
Canada is one of the world’s leading producers of uranium, supplying fuel for domestic and international nuclear reactors. Uranium mining and milling activities are primarily located in Saskatchewan and are subject to comprehensive federal regulation.
Cameco Corporation is Canada’s largest uranium producer and operates uranium mining and fuel services facilities that support the nuclear fuel cycle in Canada and globally. Orano Canada Inc. operates uranium mining and milling facilities in Saskatchewan and contributes to Canada’s nuclear fuel supply under CNSC oversight.
Radioactive Waste Management
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization established under the Federal Nuclear Fuel Waste Act and is responsible for implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.
NWMO activities include the development of a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel and community engagement processes. All NWMO activities and facilities are regulated by the CNSC.
For municipalities, waste management considerations may involve long-term land use planning, transportation coordination, emergency preparedness integration, and community engagement over extended time horizons.
Additional Resources –
Federal Nuclear Laboratories and Crown Oversight
Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) is a federal Crown corporation that owns Canada’s federal nuclear sites and sets strategic priorities for nuclear science and technology on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) operates AECL-owned sites under a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) model. CNL manages day-to-day operations including nuclear research, environmental remediation, waste management, and decommissioning activities at sites such as Chalk River Laboratories (Ontario) and Whiteshell Laboratories (Manitoba).
For host communities, federal laboratory activities may involve remediation projects, infrastructure development, transportation activities, and ongoing regulatory oversight.
Additional Resources –
INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATIONS
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