New SMR Safety, Licensing and Testing Centre positions Western Canada at the forefront of next-generation nuclear innovation
As Canada’s energy system evolves, provinces are searching for solutions that can deliver reliable, affordable electricity while reducing emissions and strengthening long-term energy security. In Saskatchewan, that future is increasingly tied to small modular reactors (SMRs)—a technology seen as capable of providing steady, low-emission power while unlocking new economic opportunities across the Prairies.
This week, the federal and Saskatchewan governments took a significant step toward that future, announcing a major investment in the University of Regina to establish the Small Modular Reactor Safety, Licensing, and Testing Centre (SMR-SLT). The new facility will serve as a cornerstone of Canada’s nuclear research ecosystem in Western Canada, supporting the safe development, testing, and eventual deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). The project represents a $1.96-million federal investment through PrairiesCan, complemented by $4 million from the Government of Saskatchewan.
Building the foundations for safe nuclear deployment
The SMR-SLT centre is designed to close a critical gap in Canada’s nuclear innovation landscape. While SMRs are increasingly viewed as a key component of the country’s clean-energy mix, advancing the technology requires rigorous testing environments that mirror real-world reactor conditions.
Once operational, the facility will provide industry and academic partners with access to the first modern SMR test loops in Western Canada. These test loops will allow components to be evaluated under conditions that replicate operating reactors—supporting safety assurance, licensing readiness, workforce training, and regulatory confidence.
By anchoring this capability at the University of Regina, the project places Saskatchewan at the centre of Western Canada’s nuclear research and testing efforts, while strengthening national capacity in SMR development.
Leveraging Saskatchewan’s uranium advantage
Canada currently generates roughly 15 per cent of its electricity from nuclear power—but none of that production occurs in Western Canada. Saskatchewan, however, holds a unique strategic advantage. The province is home to the world’s largest high-grade uranium deposits and supplies nearly a quarter of the world’s uranium used for electrical generation.
SMR deployment in Saskatchewan and across Canada offers a pathway to capture more value from those resources—supporting domestic energy needs, reducing emissions, and reinforcing Canada’s role as a global energy leader.
The economic implications are significant. The SMR-SLT project is expected to create 18 direct jobs, support 10 small businesses, and help prepare the province for the estimated 2,500 to 3,500 jobs required to build and operate nuclear power plants by the mid-2030s.
Leadership voices on Canada’s nuclear path forward
“Saskatchewan has long been an energy leader, helping power Canada’s economy and strengthen our energy security. Small modular reactors are the next step in that leadership — delivering reliable, affordable, and low-emission power while positioning Canada to be an energy superpower in a changing world. This investment in the University of Regina’s Small Modular Reactor Safety, Licensing, and Testing Centre will create new opportunities for Saskatchewan researchers and businesses, advance Canada’s nuclear expertise, and help build a resilient energy future for generations to come,” expressed the Honourable Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
“Small modular nuclear reactors represent a fantastic opportunity for clean, low-emitting power, for good jobs, and for long-term economic growth right across the nuclear supply chain and across Saskatchewan. Our province is already home to some of the largest uranium reserves on the planet, and Saskatchewan has huge potential to establish itself as a leader in Canadian nuclear power — but none of that happens unless we get the first step right. Making sure nuclear development can happen safely, responsibly, and under strong regulation is essential, and that’s exactly what this investment in the University of Regina’s SMR Safety, Licensing and Testing centre is all about,” explained the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River.
“Small modular reactors are essential to our government’s plan to deliver reliable, affordable, clean power and strengthen Canada’s energy security. Today’s announcement accelerates Canada’s nuclear leadership, unlocks more value from Saskatchewan’s uranium resources, and reinforces Canada’s position as a global energy superpower,” stated the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Saskatchewan’s world-class research community is driving innovation with global impact. The SMR Testing Centre will strengthen partnerships between academia, industry and government, elevating Canada’s leadership in energy research and nuclear technology solutions,” said Warren Kaeding, Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan.
“The University of Regina is thrilled by today’s investment in the Small Modular Reactor – Safety Licensing and Testing Centre, a critical component of Saskatchewan’s nuclear future. This new centre places our university at the heart of the province’s nuclear sector and positions us as a leader in SMR safety, licensing, and training in Western Canada. Through strong partnerships, we are advancing nuclear research while training the next generation of highly skilled professionals who will help shape Saskatchewan’s clean-energy future,” conveyed Dr. Jeff Keshen, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor.
A national asset with global relevance
Beyond its regional impact, the SMR-SLT centre strengthens Canada’s position in a highly competitive global nuclear landscape. As countries seek dependable, low-carbon power sources to support electrification, industry growth, and climate commitments, the ability to safely test, license, and train for SMR deployment becomes a strategic advantage.
With this investment, Saskatchewan is not only preparing for its own energy future—it is helping to build the technical, regulatory, and workforce foundations that will support Canada’s nuclear ambitions for decades to come.
