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Ontario Tech University joins Canadians for CANDU campaign

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7 months ago

May 1, 2024

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Ontario Tech University joins Canadians for CANDU campaign

Ontario Tech Nuclear Engineering students in an Energy Research Centre laboratory at the university’s north Oshawa location.

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Ontario Tech University announces its support for Canadians for CANDU, a campaign promoting the deployment of CANDU nuclear technology at home and abroad to achieve Canadian and global efforts to reach net-zero emissions.

Ontario Tech, a STEM-focused Canadian university, is at the forefront of advanced energy research. Named Research University of the Year (Undergraduate) in 2023 by Research Infosource, the university’s energy research and expertise are driving Canada’s leadership in the global transition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Meeting the demand for skilled workers and leaders during this transition is paramount. The university addresses this need through forward-thinking undergraduate and graduate engineering programs designed to cultivate the next-generation leaders in the nuclear industry.

Students learn in modern research facilities and classrooms, including the most-extensive nuclear power computer simulation of any engineering program in Canada. The university’s Nuclear Engineering program is the only accredited program of its kind in Canada, and rated third in North America for Nuclear Engineering graduates at the bachelor’s level.

With extensive partnerships and connections across the industry, Ontario Tech is a leading academic partner in the nuclear energy sector, both domestically and globally. In 2021, the university received designation as an International Atomic Energy Agency Collaborating Centre–-the first in Canada.

Canadians for CANDU was launched on February 28, under the leadership of Co-Chairs the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien and former Ontario Premier Mike Harris.

Quotes

“Ontario Tech fully supports the Canadians for CANDU initiative and will continue to promote CANDU technology as a key component of our safe, reliable and affordable nuclear energy future. The campaign’s four pillars align with the university’s commitment to Canada’s energy and environmental future, a key component of our Strategic Research Plan. Backed by the university’s Brilliant Energy Institute, with its partners across Canada and internationally, this new relationship builds upon our energy research and expertise, enhancing our role in advancing the nation’s leadership in the worldwide journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
–Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

“I would like to thank Ontario Tech University for its leadership in Canada’s world-class nuclear sector, and its support for CANDU technology. This growing movement can position Canada as a global clean energy champion, while promoting a domestic nuclear industry that Canadians can be proud of.”
–Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis

The CANDU moment

Canada enjoys world-leading expertise in the design, construction, operations, maintenance, and overall program management of nuclear reactors, supported by a highly qualified supply chain. CANDU technology is one of Canada’s most important innovations and remains the nation’s only domestically developed and licensed nuclear technology.

CANDU technology—which uses natural uranium—renowned for its safety, efficiency, and versatility, stands as a source of pride for Canadians and remains a leading force in nuclear innovation worldwide. Six decades after it was first developed, it stands as the linchpin of a vibrant Canadian nuclear ecosystem that supports more than 76,000 stable and well-remunerated jobs across a wide variety of professional and skilled trades fields, not to mention researchers at world-class universities and research institutions.

CANDU technology remains the only nuclear power technology that co-produces the medical isotopes that are used in cancer-fighting treatments and the sterilization of medical devices. The current CANDU fleet in Ontario produces 50 per cent of the world’s supply of Cobalt-60, which is used for medical device sterilization.

CANDU intellectual property is owned by the federal government. It is a national strategic asset critical to the energy transition, supporting significant economic opportunities for Canadians.

The Canadians for CANDU campaign calls on the federal and provincial governments to support the only made-in-Canada nuclear technology on the market to help the country reach net-zero and support a thriving domestic nuclear ecosystem.

The choice is clear. It’s time to choose CANDU. Sign up at the Canadians for CANDU website to support the movement.

About Canadians for CANDU

Canadians for CANDU includes industry leaders, members of the domestic supply-chain, academics, and citizens who believe Canadian expertise and innovation has a leading role to play in the deployment of nuclear energy solutions at home and abroad. Visit canadiansforcandu.com to learn more.

About Ontario Tech University: Celebrating 20 years

A modern, forward-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.