Newmarket, ON – June 22, 2026
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) welcomes today’s release of the Government of Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy, which sets a clear and ambitious direction for the future of nuclear energy in Canada.
Canada is entering a period of accelerated change. Electricity demand is rising quickly as the economy electrifies; meeting that demand will require a significant build-out of reliable, non-emitting power. At the same time, Canada is focused on strengthening energy security, advancing innovation and driving economic growth in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The Nuclear Energy Strategy responds directly to these priorities, positioning nuclear as a core, scalable source of base-load power, aligned with the Government of Canada’s broader National Electricity Strategy released earlier this year.
The Nuclear Energy Strategy outlines four key priorities:
- Enabling New Builds Across Canada;
- Being a Global Supplier and Exporter of Choice;
- Expanding Uranium Production and Nuclear Fuel Opportunities and Supporting World-Class Long-Term Nuclear Waste Management; and,
- Developing New Canadian Nuclear Innovations (including fission and fusion).
“This is a pivotal moment for Canada. Nuclear energy will play a critical role in meeting growing energy demand while advancing economic growth, energy security, and climate objectives. The Nuclear Energy Strategy provides an important national framework to help turn that opportunity into action” said Fred Dermarkar, AECL President and CEO. “As Canada’s nuclear Crown corporation, AECL is proud to support the Government of Canada’s vision by advancing innovation, providing stewardship of strategic nuclear assets, and working with partners across the country to help ensure Canada remains a global leader in nuclear science, technology, and energy.”
AECL is well positioned to support the implementation of the Nuclear Energy Strategy:
- We drive innovation in all things nuclear, from energy to nuclear medicine, to waste management.
- We oversee Canada’s national nuclear laboratories, the Chalk River Laboratories.
- We are the stewards of the CANDU® intellectual property.
- We work with partners across the industry, academia, communities and Indigenous Nations.
AECL and its contractor Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, is excited to play a leading role in advancing Canada’s nuclear future.
For more information:
Read the Government of Canada announcement here.