Canada is entering a new era of nuclear energy - one defined by innovation, collaboration, and renewed confidence in a secure, low-emission future. With growing domestic energy needs, global uncertainty, and the urgent demand for electric power, the nation’s nuclear industry is once again at the forefront.
This event will bring together leaders from across the nuclear energy ecosystem to explore how Canada can meet its ambitious goal to triple its nuclear capacity in the next 20 years while maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is one of North America's most diverse, innovative generators, with operations that span the province. It is currently building the G7’s first small modular reactor, advancing planning for new large nuclear development in Port Hope, and leading a major refurbishment program that is creating jobs, strengthening Ontario’s energy supply chain, and supporting the province’s clean energy future.
Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear and other clean power technologies and services globally. Owned by Canadian energy powerhouses Brookfield and Cameco, Westinghouse is the only nuclear vendor with a proven, fully operational Generation III+ reactor technology, the AP1000 PWR, that is ready to be deployed in Canada and generate electricity by as early as 2035. Currently there are six AP1000 reactors in operation globally, setting operational performance and availability records. The AP1000 technology has been selected for nuclear energy programs in Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria, and is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, India and North America. There will be 18 units based on AP1000 technology in operation globally by the end of the decade. Over 135 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com/canada.
Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company
Candu Energy Inc. has over 70 years of global nuclear expertise, delivering nuclear technology products and full-service solutions to nuclear utilities around the world. Candu Energy Inc. is the steward of CANDU® nuclear technology, operating on four continents, and provides advisory and engineering services to other nuclear developers. With an innovative technology portfolio, including access to over 500 patented solutions, Candu Energy Inc. solves technically complex challenges across the whole nuclear lifecycle from design and new build through asset management and from life extension and late life management through decommissioning. CANDU technology also allows for the co-production of medical radioisotopes for cancer detection and treatment.
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Aecon Group Inc. is Canada’s leading nuclear construction, EPC, and infrastructure development company, with over 13,000 employees and generating more than CAD $5 billion in revenue. With a legacy of over 50 years and more than 400 nuclear energy projects, Aecon Nuclear excels in building, refurbishing, maintaining, and decommissioning nuclear power facilities.
Aecon’s expertise spans across its Construction and Concessions segments, handling projects from mega-integrated to medium-sized and local work. With over 150 years in the industry, Aecon is a trusted contractor for public entities and Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) in Canada and internationally. The Construction segment covers public and private infrastructure development in Civil, Urban Transportation, Nuclear, Utility, and Industrial sectors, primarily in Canada with selective international initiatives.
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Aecon is a key player in the nuclear industry, providing comprehensive services for the new nuclear build, major refurbishment, maintenance, and decommissioning of nuclear power facilities. Notable projects include constructing the first GE Hitachi BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor in Ontario for Ontario Power Generation under an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, executing the Ontario’s refurbishment program Bruce Power and OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Generating station.
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At the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, Aecon, in a joint venture with AtkinsRéalis, has been awarded a contract for the refurbishment of four units. This project includes the retube, feeder, and boiler replacement of Units 5, 6, 7, and 8, ensuring decades of reliable, low-carbon electricity for Ontario.
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At Aecon, safety, quality, and operational excellence are at the core of everything we do. We are committed to building a sustainable future through innovative solutions and strong partnerships.
The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) represents Canada's nuclear industry, a critical sector driving environmental and economic benefits. Annually, nuclear technology prevents 80 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and provides 70% of the world's cobalt-60 for medical applications like cancer treatment and medical equipment sterilization. Generating over $6 billion in revenue, the industry supports 89,000 direct and indirect jobs. Since 1960, the CNA has championed nuclear technology's potential, promoting the sector nationally and internationally. By collaborating with members and stakeholders, the association advances policy, raises awareness, and highlights nuclear technology's transformative impact on Canada's environment, economy, and daily life.
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 75,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in Canada’s team of close to 13,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the Transportation and Infrastructure, Earth and Environment, Property and Buildings, and Energy, Resources and Industry sectors.
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Scott Ryan is an accomplished infrastructure and energy executive with nearly two decades of progressive leadership experience at Aecon. A graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Civil Engineering program, he began his career with Aecon in 2003 as a student and joined full‑time in 2007.
Over the course of 19 years, Scott has worked across Canada, contributing to major projects in the Civil, Mining, Industrial, and Utilities sectors. In 2018, Scott assumed the role of Vice President in Aecon Utilities, overseeing all pipeline‑related work across North America. In this capacity, he has been responsible for strategic growth, operational performance, workforce leadership, and client partnerships across a broad geographic footprint. Most recently, Scott has taken on the role of Senior Vice President, Nuclear - Canadian Operations, overseeing Aecon’s nuclear activities across Canada. In this position, he will lead major refurbishment programs, new nuclear development - including next‑generation technologies - and execution excellence across the business.
Adam Radwanski is a policy columnist and feature writer for The Globe and Mail's Report on Business.
Specializing in solutions-oriented reporting and analysis, his current focus is on opportunities and challenges around boosting Canada's economic sovereignty during a time of continental and global tumult.
His recent work has included serving as the Globe's climate-policy columnist, focusing on the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A National Newspaper Award winner, he was also finalist in 2024 for the SABEW Canada Best in Business award for opinion writing, and a co-recipient of the Canadian Journalism Foundation's award for climate solutions reporting.
He was previously a political feature writer, The Globe and Mail's Ontario columnist, and a member of the Globe's editorial board.
He made his start in journalism as the founder of Canada's first online political magazine, was a columnist and editor at the National Post, and was managing editor for online services at Maclean's. He has also written extensively on music, pop culture and sports.
Leslie McWilliams was appointed Laurentis President and CEO in 2025 after more than 25 years with Ontario Power Generation (OPG).
During her career at OPG, Leslie held roles in Engineering, Project and Outage Management, Maintenance, Chemistry and Inspection Services. She also served in station leadership positions at Pickering and Darlington, as well as in Nuclear Refurbishment and Corporate functions. Most recently, Leslie was Deputy Site Vice President at Darlington, where she played a lead role in the station’s relicensing.
In addition to her technical and operational leadership, Leslie has been active in workforce development and mentorship. She has advanced equity, diversity, and inclusion within her teams and built partnerships with schools to encourage future generations to pursue careers in nuclear.
Leslie holds a B.A.Sc. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from the University of Waterloo, has served on industry boards, and has been a licensed member of the Professional Engineers Ontario since 2003. She is also actively involved in her community, having served as a long-time youth soccer coach, Girl Guide Leader, and advocate for STEM education and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
David Manii is Managing Director, Corporate Banking at TD Securities, where he provides relationship coverage and leads the origination and execution of syndicated loans for TD Securities clients in the power, utilities, and energy infrastructure sectors with the objective to deliver the full range of syndicated loan products to clients including general corporate purpose, acquisition finance, and construction financing credit facilities.
David has over 18 years of corporate lending experience, with a current focus on expanding TD Securities' lending commitments to multiple North American energy infrastructure segments including renewable energy projects, thermal electricity generation, nuclear electricity generation and hydrocarbon transportation infrastructure.
David began his career at TD Securities as a member of its Global Energy team based in Calgary covering upstream E&P, midstream, power, and integrated energy clients. David also spent time with TD Securities Canadian Loan Syndications team where he had execution responsibility for all lead managed syndicated credit facilities for TD Securities Canadian energy clients.
Lisa is the Country Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi’s SMR Canada business. In her role, Lisa is responsible for the vision & strategy to lead the deployment and implementation of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor in Canada. Lisa is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the business operations across Canada. She leads the collaboration with customers, government, industry, and partners.
Lisa has over 22 years’ experience in the nuclear industry, starting her career with Ontario Power Generation. Her drive and commitment have propelled her into several key leadership roles in both nuclear and corporate functions. Lisa’s diverse experiences have positioned her to engage in several critical initiatives, where her experience across the business has resulted in her leadership of several multi-disciplinary teams. Lisa holds a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph.
Lisa holds several board positions including, Director on the Canadian Nuclear Association Board, the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, the WiN Global Executive Board and is a Governor at the Ontario Tech University Board of Governors
Patrick Chabot is Managing Director at CGFIM, where he leads the sourcing, execution, and management of its investments in alignment with the Canada Growth Fund’s mandate, which is focused on accelerating efficient emission reduction projects, helping Canadian clean technology companies scale up successfully, and capitalizing on Canada’s abundant natural resources and strengthening low-carbon supply chains.
Patrick has over 13 years of experience in the energy sector, with a current focus on investments to efficiently reduce emissions across the Canadian economy, including CCS, electrification and low-carbon electricity, industrial processes, hydrogen, and biofuels. Patrick brings a wealth of experience in structuring intricate, bespoke legal transactions, adeptly coordinating with diverse and complex stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
Prior to joining CGFIM, Patrick Chabot was Senior Director in PSP’s infrastructure group, where he led investments in the North American power and utility sector. During his tenure, Patrick played a pivotal role in evaluating and acquiring stakes in significant renewable energy projects and regulated utility assets, which has been instrumental in advancing PSP’s strategic initiatives.
John MacQuarrie is president of the Commercial Operations division of BWX Technologies, Inc (BWXT). He directs the business operations of the nuclear power and nuclear medicine businesses of BWXT.
BWXT has over 60 years of expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing critical nuclear components, fuel and equipment for the nuclear power industry and decades of expertise developing and manufacturing medical isotopes and radiopharmaceutical drugs for the global nuclear medicine industry.
With 31 years of nuclear industry experience, Mr. MacQuarrie’s career includes 27 years with BWXT. Previously, Mr. MacQuarrie served in various operational and business development leadership roles within BWXT.
Mr. MacQuarrie holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees of applied science in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto and is a licensed professional engineer in the province of Ontario. A former Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA), Mr. MacQuarrie is a board member with the Nuclear Innovation Institute.
George Christidis is the President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association. Before this role, he served as the Vice President of Government Relations and International Affairs at the same organization.
George has extensive experience designing and implementing advocacy strategies and initiatives that support the Canadian nuclear industry domestically and internationally.
With over 20 years of experience collaborating with federal, provincial, municipal, and international government stakeholders, Mr. Christidis has held diverse roles in both the public and private sectors. His expertise includes providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior government officials and corporate decision-makers.
He has held key positions within the Canadian government, including serving as a policy advisor and former chief of staff for prominent ministers.
Ms. Hamberg is a partner and National Low Carbon Fuels Lead at Deloitte Canada where she advises on the commercialization of climate technology at industrial scale. She serves clients across all sectors on the evolving clean technology and clean fuels landscape, advancing innovation to market readiness, and how to de-risk and operationalize the introduction of new technology. She is fascinated by the challenge of developing and commercializing the solutions Canada needs for the energy transition, particularly where new markets and new value chains need to be created.
Karen is a clean technology executive with more than 20 years of global experience in the deployment of clean transportation technologies and the policy/regulatory frameworks to enable growth, scale, and market leadership. Prior to Deloitte, she held a range of senior executive positions at Westport Fuel Systems with experience in corporate strategy, market creation and development, product commercialization, external communications, and policy and regulatory affairs.
Appointed to the Government of Canada’s Industry Strategy Council and named chair of the Clean Technology Economic Strategy Table in June 2020, Karen has advised on accelerating the deployment of made-in-Canada cleantech, scaling Canadian companies, and ensuring Canada’s global competitiveness in a net-zero economy.
An active volunteer, she is currently a Director of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, a trustee on the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum of Nature, Chair Emeritus of CALSTART in Pasadena, California, and past Chair of the United Way of British Columbia Campaign Cabinet.
Karen holds a Master of Arts from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and a Bachelor of Arts from Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba
John Gorman, President of Westinghouse Canada, leads all external affairs in Canada with responsibility to drive strategic growth across Westinghouse’s full suite of product and service offerings. He is a highly respected and trusted industry leader with more than 25 years of expertise in government relations, economic development and public policy.
Most recently, John served as president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Nuclear Association and led the industry’s successful effort to secure government recognition and support for nuclear as a pivotal technology in meeting Canada’s environmental and energy security goals. Previously, he held senior leadership positions at the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) and Empower Energies, as well as served as a board member on one of the nation’s largest electric utilities.
Kim Lauritsen is OPG’s Senior Vice President of Enterprise Strategy & Growth. Kim is responsible for OPG’s corporate strategy development and new growth initiatives, including in new nuclear growth and ensuring strategic alignment across OPG’s portfolio of subsidiaries. Kim sits on the Board of Directors of several of OPG’s subsidiary companies, and is the Chair of PowerOn Energy Solutions.
Kim has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry, having worked across various parts of the value chain, in diverse geographies. Prior to joining OPG in 2019, Kim worked at Origin Energy in Australia, focused on commercial strategy and transactions, energy markets, renewable energy development and liquefied natural gas projects. Prior to that, Kim worked at Shell in Europe, with a focus in finance, modeling and economics.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, a Master’s of Science in Renewable Energy Development from Heriot-Watt University and an MBA from INSEAD. Kim is also a member of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Strategic Advisory Committee.
As Vice-President, Supply Chain management, Adrian leads the company’s overall supply chain strategy. He is responsible for all operational procurement, key business relationships, supply chain strategy & development, growth opportunities and organizational objectives.
Adrian is a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, plus Supply Chain Canada Association. Adrian was also recently voted to serve on the board of OCNI.
Before joining Candu Energy in 2024, Adrian spent 40 years managing supply chains In UK, Europe, Middle East & North Africa and since 2016 in Canada and USA, he has experience across a variety of sectors, but mainly in Construction and Oil & Gas, with some Nuclear exposure. He has worked at companies including Graham Group, Carillion PLC, and Dodsal Engineering & Construction, among others.
Emma Graney has covered energy from The Globe and Mail’s Calgary Bureau since 2019, including oil and gas, alternate fuels, renewables, liabilities and green technology. She keeps her eye on the energy sector across the country, from the oil sands in Alberta (1, 2) to geothermal potential in Saskatchewan, the explosive liabilities of old gas wells in Ontario, and renewable hydrogen in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Emma was one of The Globe's team of correspondents deployed to Europe in the days following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In 2023, she was part of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network cohort in 2023 and, in 2020, was a Columbia University Energy Journalism fellow.
Emma first landed in Alberta in 2016 as provincial affairs reporter for the Edmonton Journal, where she hosted the weekly Press Gallery podcast about Alberta politics and was part of the team that won a National Newspaper Award for Fort McMurray wildfire coverage. She has reported in Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, the U.K., Indonesia and her native Australia, and has investigated artificial intelligence in China as an Asia Pacific Foundation media fellow. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Business from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.
April Fong is a senior editor with The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. She was previously Executive Editor of The Logic, where she helped oversee the publication's editorial strategy, led its daily newsletter to multiple SABEW Best in Business awards and was a frequent moderator in live events.
A former senior digital producer at BNN Bloomberg, April has also worked at the Financial Post and China Economic Review in Shanghai. She taught Business Reporting at her alma mater, Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication from 2021 to 2024.
Sashen Guneratna joined the CIB in 2019. As Managing Director, Sashen leads the CIB’s $10 billion+ Clean Power priority sector. Sashen spearheaded the CIB’s investment in Canada’s first small modular reactor as well as leads renewable projects across the country in solar, wind, transmission, energy storage and district energy.
Sashen has more than 20 years of banking and advisory experience encompassing several sectors and jurisdictions. Most recently, Sashen was a Partner within the Capital Projects and Infrastructure group at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with a focus on Water and Wastewater, First Nations led projects, Power and Utilities. Prior to joining PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 2013, Sashen worked for National Bank Financial as a Financial Advisor and Underwriter of project finance transactions.
Sashen holds an MBA and BBA from the Schulich School of Business.