McMaster University has joined a national campaign as an ambassador for Canadians for CANDU, which promotes the adoption of Canada’s only domestically developed and licensed nuclear technology to generate emission-free energy. 

CANDU technology is a national strategic asset that can contribute to reaching net-zero emissions and achieving significant economic opportunities for Canadians, says Susan Tighe, McMaster’s provost and vice-president (Academic). 

“McMaster is proud to be an ambassador for the Canadians for CANDU campaign,” says Tighe, who represents McMaster as a campaign ambassador. “For 65 years, McMaster has pioneered innovations in nuclear medicine, energy and materials to help build cleaner and healthier communities in Canada and around the world.”  

The campaign, which is co-chaired by former prime minister Jean Chrétien and former Ontario premier Mike Harris, was launched earlier this year by Montreal-based AtkinsRéalis, an engineering services and nuclear organization. 

First developed in the 1950s and 60s, CANDU technology uses natural uranium — renowned for its safety, efficiency, and versatility — to generate emission-free electricity.  

Today, CANDU remains at the centre of Canada’s nuclear ecosystem and research, and supports more than 76,000 jobs across a wide variety of professional fields and skilled trades.  

As the home to Canada’s most powerful research reactor, McMaster is a natural partner in this campaign.  

McMaster is the world’s leading supplier of iodine-125 medical isotopes used in the treatment of prostate and other cancers. More than 70,000 patients per year are treated with the I-125 isotopes generated at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor and shipped globally from Hamilton.  

CANDU technology also plays a key role in nuclear medicine worldwide. The current CANDU fleet in Ontario produces 50 per cent of the world’s supply of Cobalt-60, which is used for sterilizing medical devices. 

The Canadians for CANDU campaign calls on federal and provincial governments to support CANDU technology, which would help the country reach its net-zero emissions target and sustain a thriving domestic nuclear ecosystem. 

“I would like to thank McMaster University for their leadership in Canada’s world class nuclear sector, and their support for CANDU technology,” says Joe St. Julian, president, Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis.  

“This growing movement can position Canada as a global clean energy champion, while promoting a domestic nuclear industry that Canadians can be proud of.”