Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

Reports &
Resources

AECL publishes various corporate information, plans and reports as follows:

CORPORATE PLAN

Presents the organization’s plans on a five year horizon. Plans from previous years are also available.

2024-25 Corporate Plan Summary (PDF)
2023-24 Corporate Plan Summary (PDF)
2022-23 Corporate Plan Summary (PDF)

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORTS

2023 ESG Annual Report (PDF)
2022 ESG Annual Report (PDF)

CLIMATE RESILIENCE REPORT

2022 Climate Resilience Report (PDF)

PRESENTATIONS

October 13, 2022 I AECL Public Meeting

​On October 13, 2022, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited held its virtual public meeting to report on this year’s accomplishments, projects and advancements in nuclear science and innovation, as well as in decommissioning and environmental remediation. Jim Burpee, the Chair of AECL’s Board of Directors, spoke to attendees about the role of the Board of Directors, progress on key environmental remediation projects, and the revitalization of the Chalk River Laboratories. Fred Dermarkar, President and CEO, spoke about AECL’s reconciliation commitments, and presented further details on key projects. A summary of the event, including questions and answers and a copy of the presentation, is available below.

Oct 13, 2022 Public Meeting Summary

October 7, 2021 I AECL Public Meeting

On October 7, 2021, AECL held a virtual public meeting to discuss recent accomplishments, discuss AECL’s activities in nuclear science and technology, as well as environmental stewardship, and plans for the future.   

The Chair of AECL’s Board of Directors, Jim Burpee and AECL’s President and CEO, Fred Dermarkar, discussed how AECL and CNL have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and the contributions made to the national response. They discussed AECL’s governance model and role under the Government-owned, Contractor-operated model.   

A summary of the event, including questions and answers and a copy of the full presentation, is below.

October 7, 2021 Public Meeting Summary 

September 30, 2020 I AECL Public Meeting

On September 30th, AECL held a virtual public meeting to discuss recent accomplishments, discuss AECL’s activities in nuclear science and technology, as well as environmental stewardship, and present plans for the future.

The Chair of AECL’s Board of Directors, Jim Burpee and AECL’s President and CEO, Richard Sexton, discussed how AECL and CNL have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the contributions made to respond to the national response. They discussed AECL’s governance model and role under the Government-owned, Contractor-operated model.

A summary of the event, including questions and answers and a copy of the full presentation, is available below.

September 30th, 2020 AECL Public Meeting Summary

May 30, 2019 I AECL Presentation to the public in Gatineau, Quebec

May 30 2019 – Public meeting in Gatineau

On May 30, 2019, AECL officials, along with CNL officials, participated in a public meeting in Gatineau, Quebec to discuss AECL’s environmental protection and radioactive waste management responsibilities, as well as CNL’s proposal to build a near surface disposal facility at the Chalk River Laboratories to enable the remediation of contaminated land. The presentation from this meeting is available at the link below.

AECL Presentation for the public meeting in Gatineau, QC.

 

May 14, 2019 I AECL Public Meeting

On May 14 2019, AECL held a public meeting in Deep River, Ontario and the event was webcasted live. The forum provided an opportunity to learn about the corporation’s role, governance, recent achievements and its plans for the future.

A presentation was made by Claude Lajeunesse, the Chair of the AECL Board of Directors, as well as Richard Sexton, the President and CEO of AECL. They subsequently answered questions from members of the public.

May 2019 Public Meeting – Full presentation.

May 16, 2018 I AECL Presentation to Quebec municipal officials

May 16 2018 – Meeting between AECL, CNL and officials from the Communauté Métropolitaine de Montréal, Union des Municipalités du Québec and the City of Gatineau

On May 16, 2018, AECL officials, along with CNL officials, met with staff from the Communauté Métropolitaine de Montréal, the Union des Municipalités du Québec and the City of Gatineau to discuss AECL’s radioactive waste management responsibilities and CNL’s proposal to build a near surface disposal facility at the Chalk River Laboratories. The presentation from this meeting is available at the link below.

AECL Presentation to Quebec municipal officials attending the annual Association of Quebec Municipalities meeting in Gatineau, QC. (PDF)

May 10, 2018 I AECL Public Meeting

On May 10 2018, AECL held a public meeting in Pinawa, Manitoba, and the event was webcasted live. The forum provided an opportunity to learn about the corporation’s governance model – the Government-owned, Contractor-operated model – as well as its plans for the future.

The presentation was made by Claude Lajeunesse, the Chair of the AECL Board of Directors, as well as Richard Sexton, the President and CEO of AECL. They subsequently answered questions from members of the public

A summary of the event, including questions and answers and a copy of the full presentation, is available here.

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW PANEL REPORT

Through an agreement with the US Department of Energy, AECL commissioned an independent international review of the NSDF, with a view to reviewing CNL’s proposal, compare against international best practices, and provide advice and recommendations on the overall safety case. The Department of Energy has also engaged experts from the United Kingdom to participate, to bring their experience and perspective to the assessment. Overall the review concluded that “the facility is being conservatively designed to dispose of the planned radioactive inventory, and contingent on appropriate resolution of outstanding observations as identified, the safety documentation provides reasonable assurance that appropriate safety standards could be met.” As a result, CNL has adjusted its documentation and all recommendations and suggestions from the review are being addressed.

Download the Full Report – Near Surface Disposal Facility, Safety Case and Assessment Documents

MANAGEMENT OF LOW AND INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE
(Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development)

Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development report on the management of low and intermediate level radioactive waste.

In October 2022, as part of its role to audit the federal government’s management of environmental and sustainable development issues, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development issued a report on the management of low and intermediate level radioactive waste in Canada. The report focused on the work of Natural Resources Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and AECL.

The report concluded that overall, these organizations did a “good job of managing low and intermediate level radioactive waste that makes up 95% of Canada’s radioactive waste output”.

Two specific recommendations were made to AECL, which have been acted upon.

AECL response to the recommendations.

Recommendation 1:

AECL should have effective controls in place to ensure its radioactive waste inventory database is accurate.

AECL response: Agreed. AECL notes that no inaccuracies found in the eMWaste database had any impact on the inventories reported to Natural Resources Canada as part of the Inventory of Radioactive Waste in Canada 2019 Report. AECL has been working with our contractor, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on improving the accuracy of the radioactive waste database. Since the end of the audit period, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories has brought international expertise to support its staff to review and verify the existing records, as well as improve the quality controls over the data entry. Specifically, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is conducting a 100% review of the waste records since 2018, which will conclude by August 2022, as well as applying a graded review of records generated between 2015 and 2018 by December 2022.

To strengthen our controls over the radioactive waste database, AECL continues to oversee the verification of the database as well as Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ improvement plan to strengthen the process of entering and verifying waste data into the eMWaste database. To supplement the triennial reporting to Natural Resources Canada and enhance transparency, starting in 2023, AECL will report nuclear waste inventories on its website, to show progress on addressing its radioactive waste inventory.

For more information about AECL’s work and activities related to low and intermediate level waste, including an explanation of the recommendations of the Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development, please see:

An Explanation by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) of the Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) Report to Parliament on Radioactive Waste Management – Low and Intermediate Levels – AECL

Recommendation 2:

AECL should ensure that its public reporting clearly aligns its plans and activities with how it is addressing historic and legacy waste. For increased transparency, these reports should include monitoring activities and timelines.

AECL response: Agreed. AECL will develop additional webpages on our website that will explain to Canadians the linkage between our reported waste inventories and the progress we are making on managing our waste in a sustainable manner, by October 2022. These pages will include information on monitoring activities and forecasted timelines to place the waste in modern disposal or long-term waste management facilities.

Update (October 2022): Additional information on AECL’s radioactive waste inventory has been added to the website (Radioactive Waste – AECL).

Read the Commissioner’s full report here. (PDF)

SPECIAL EXAMINATION REPORT

Under the Financial Administration Act, AECL is subject to a special examination by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada at least once every 10 years.

The Office of the Auditor General conducted a special examination of AECL and submitted its report to the Board of Directors of AECL in June 2017. The examination concluded that “except for a significant deficiency in Board renewal and some other improvements needed, the Corporation had in place good corporate management practices.” It was noted that AECL does not have control over Board renewal.

“AECL is pleased with the result of the Office of the Auditor General special examination. This is an important exercise that helps our organization improve on our management practices.”

– Richard Sexton, President and CEO of AECL

2017 I Auditor General Full Report PDF | HTML

AECL Action Plan in Response to OAG Special Examination Recommendations

OAG Recommendation

The Corporation should continue to engage with the Minister of Natural Resources on the need for timely appointment of the President and Chief Executive Officer and of a full complement of members to its Board of Directors. It should also reinforce the need for staggered terms of office to ensure continuity.

Actions

As indicated in AECL’s response to the Auditor General’s Special Examination and since the issuance of the Auditor General’s report, AECL continued to engage with the Minister of Natural Resources on the need for the timely appointment of a President and Chief Executive Officer and new members of the Board of Directors. Appointments are the responsibility of the Governor in Council and therefore are outside the control of AECL.

In February 2018, the Governor in Council appointed Richard Sexton as the President and Chief Executive Officer of AECL for a two-year term. This follows Mr. Sexton’s previous appointment as President and CEO on an interim basis. In June 2017, the Governor in Council also appointed the Chair of the Board of AECL along with four members of the Board, consisting of three new members and one interim appointee becoming a permanent appointee.

Of the five appointments, three appointments are for three years and two appointments are for two years, thus providing for staggered terms of office.

Status

Complete


OAG Recommendation

The Corporation should plan for an orderly transition, during which the newly appointed Board members and the President and Chief Executive Officer have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the initial goal of restructuring; the resulting Government-owned Contractor-operated arrangement; and the Corporation’s strategic plans. They should also have the opportunity to provide guidance on modifying and implementing plans.

Actions

As indicated in AECL’s response to the Auditor General’s Special Examination, AECL had put in place an onboarding program for new members of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO in order to enable an orderly transition. The program includes information about the history of AECL, its current mandate and activities, roles and responsibilities, governance framework (including the Government-owned, Contractor-operated model), the operation of the Board and its committees, and the current plans, both long and short term. The program also includes a multi-day orientation, which features a tour of AECL’s main site and meetings with the AECL management team. Since the issuance of the Auditor General’s report, the three members of the Board newly appointed in June 2017 have all participated in the aforementioned onboarding program. With the benefit of the onboarding program and as part of their ongoing orientation and continuing education, they will also have the opportunity to provide guidance on modifying and implementing plans.

Status

Complete


OAG Recommendation

The Board should strengthen and improve its process for monitoring and reviewing risks listed in its risk register, and should appropriately document discussions and actions.

Actions

Since the issuance of the Auditor General’s report, considerable effort has been undertaken, with the assistance of external risk management consultants/expertise, to strengthen and improve AECL’s process for reviewing and monitoring risk. The result of this effort was approved by the Board’s Audit Committee in September as part of strengthening and improving its processes in this regard. Appropriate documentation of discussions and actions has occurred and subsequent Audit Committee meetings will continue to formally review AECL’s risk register on a quarterly basis. Since the issuance of the Auditor General’s report, the skills and experience of the Board in the area of risk management has also been augmented with the appointment of a new member with experience in this area.

Status

Complete


OAG Recommendation

The Corporation should develop a more detailed reporting framework so that it can better measure and demonstrate to Canadians that it is enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, and is containing and reducing costs and risks over time.

Actions

AECL has developed a high-level performance measurement plan, which focuses on efforts to measure and demonstrate the objectives of the Government-owned, Contractor-operated model, namely to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and contain risks and costs over time. This includes measuring Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ performance, which is being done on an ongoing basis through a series of measures and targets, some of which are presented and reported upon in AECL’s Corporate Plan. AECL will also review and update performance measures annually to ensure alignment to objectives.

Status

Complete


OAG Recommendation

The Board should hold periodic public meetings, as required by the Financial Administration Act, to present its annual report and provide information on the report on the Government-owned Contractor-operated model.

Actions

A public meeting was held on May 8, 2017. AECL will continue to fulfill its obligations under the Financial Administration Act by holding public meetings, as required by the Act.

Status

Complete


OAG Recommendation

The Corporation should address the alignment in remuneration by engaging with the Minister of Natural Resources. In its annual report, it should consider providing additional insight and disclosure concerning its compensation framework.

Actions

Starting with its Fiscal 2016-17 Annual Report, AECL has included additional insight and disclosure on its compensation framework. As in previous years, AECL has also included the total compensation for senior managers in its Annual Report, as per the accounting and reporting standards under which AECL reports.

As part of its approach to compensation, AECL will periodically review its compensation philosophy and propose adjustments as appropriate to achieve the goal of attracting and retaining employees needed to fulfill its mandate. Adjustments will be approved by the Board of Directors and its committees, in-line with governance requirements.

AECL continues to engage the Minister of Natural Resources Canada in remuneration matters as needed.

Status

Complete


OAG Recommendation

The Corporation should strengthen the skills and competencies of the contract management team to manage the overall performance of the contractor in the context of the Government-owned Contractor-operated model.

Actions

AECL has strengthened the skills and competencies of the contract management team through both formal classroom and on-the-job training. The Lead Contract Officer, who was recognized by the OAG as having extensive experience in managing GoCo contracts, has continued to provide comprehensive on-the job training and mentorship to the AECL contract management staff since the time of the OAG review.

To further develop the team, AECL has implemented a robust formal classroom training program modeled on the US Federal government contracting certification program, with an emphasis on GoCo contracting. The program will be applied to all contract management staff, both existing and new.

Finally, AECL has in place a succession plan, which includes consideration for the skills and competencies needed in the contract management team.

Status

Complete

STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

On May 8 2018, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts met to discuss the Office of the Auditor General’s Special Examination report of AECL.

Public Accounts Committee Report

On June 8 2018, the Committee published a report entitled ‘Report 49 – Special Examination Report – Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, of the 2017 Fall Reports of the Auditor General of Canada’.

The Committee Report reviewed the OAG Special Examination, including its findings and recommendations, and also looked at AECL’s response to those recommendations and the measures taken to respond to the OAG’s recommendations.

Two recommendations were presented in the Committee Report:

Recommendation 1:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) should present the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts with a report outlining all the measures and targets in its performance assessment of the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.

Recommendation 2:
AECL should provide the Committee with a report outlining the percentage of existing and new employees on the contract management team that have completed the contract management training program.

AECL’s report in response to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Recommendations.