AECL operates through three business divisions:

• The CANDU Reactor Division, based in Mississauga, Ontario, is operated on a commercial basis and generates value through its core activities, which include the management of nuclear reactor construction, life extension and servicing projects. The division also manages marketing and business development and the commercialization of AECL’s evolutionary ACR-1000, a Generation III+ heavy water nuclear reactor.
• The Research and Technology Division contributes value to Canada through research, production of medical isotopes and management of nuclear waste. An important part of the Research and Technology Division’s mission is to carry out the Government of Canada’s policy mandate in support of Canadian nuclear technology and industry through its technology infrastructure, which includes nuclear laboratories and facilities.
• The Liability Management Unit manages waste and decommissioning liabilities on behalf of the Government of Canada. The program has a long-term focus –spanning several decades – to safely address decommissioning and waste management obligations on AECL-managed sites and waste received for safe storage from universities, medical facilities, government and industry from across Canada. This is managed in accordance with CNSC regulations and in the best interests of Canadians. These liabilities include obligations associated with AECL’s existing infrastructure, those stemming from activities before AECL was incorporated in 1952, third party radioactive waste from across Canada, and R&D waste in support of Canada’s nuclear program. The Research and Technology Division and private sector contractors perform decommissioning and waste management work. Liabilities such as operational waste, created after March 31, 2006, are separately accounted to reflect AECL’s responsibility to manage and finance such wastes.