A critical moment for Canada’s energy future: McMaster experts available to discuss federal nuclear strategy

Hamilton, ON, June 22, 2026 – Today, the federal government is unveiling its nuclear strategy to boost Canada’s energy independence and better insulate the nation from geopolitical turmoil.

With the aim to build ten new large-scale reactors in Canada, the strategy will have downstream effects on workforce and training needs, as well as supply chain management for Candu reactors.

As Canada’s nuclear university, McMaster recently announced the launch of its new Bachelor of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering program, to address the growing demand for skilled labour.

McMaster experts are available to discuss the federal nuclear strategy:

Goran Calic (associate professor, Strategic Management) is the Entrepreneurship Leadership Chair at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business. He is available to speak on:

• the economics and practical challenges of building large-scale reactors generally, and specifically in Canada;
• the strategic case for prioritizing the Candu reactor and a Canadian supply chain;
• the shift in emphasis from small modular reactors (SMRs) back to large-scale reactors, and what’s realistically achievable within the 2035 to 2040 targets;
• why reducing the regulatory burden is more meaningful than attaching funding behind projects – but specifics on how that burden will be reduced are important.

Goran Calic can be reached at calicg@mcmaster.ca.

Dave Novog (professor, Department of Engineering Physics) is a University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) research chair in nuclear safety. He is available to speak on:

• nuclear energy with large-scale reactors;
• the role of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Canada;
• the status of nuclear today and the needs of Canada’s nuclear workforce;
• the historical evolution of nuclear over the last 20 years;
• nuclear safety and issues related to spent fuel;

Dave Novog can be reached at novog@mcmaster.ca.