Canada’s push to strengthen its nuclear sector is gaining momentum with new federal support aimed at developing the next generation of industry leaders.
On June 8 in Saskatoon, the Government of Canada announced a $50,000 investment through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) to support the first Canadian Executive Nuclear Energy Management School (Executive NEMS). The program is being delivered by the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Engineering in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The initiative arrives as Canada places increasing emphasis on reliable, low-emission energy sources to support economic growth and national sovereignty. Saskatchewan, already the world’s second-largest uranium-producing jurisdiction and a province committed to nuclear electricity generation, is positioned to play an increasingly important role in the country’s energy future.
This week’s Executive NEMS brings together executive, senior and mid-level leaders from across Canada. Participants are learning from international experts and industry leaders on how to lead and manage nuclear projects, while exploring topics including nuclear energy systems, the future workforce, safety culture, regulatory readiness, Indigenous and community engagement, advanced reactors and small modular reactors.
The new executive program builds on the success of the 2025 Canadian National Nuclear Energy Management School, which focused on early and mid-career professionals and also received support from PrairiesCan.
The University of Saskatchewan has become one of Canada’s leading centres for nuclear research and innovation. Home to the Canadian Light Source, the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation and the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences, the university has continued to expand its role in shaping Canada’s clean energy ecosystem.
“Canada’s new government is focused on building Canada into an energy superpower, and Saskatchewan has a major role to play. With a world-class uranium sector, leading research institutions, and growing nuclear expertise, Saskatchewan is helping Canada build the reliable, affordable, low-emission energy systems our economy needs. This investment in the first Canadian Executive Nuclear Energy Management School at USask will help train the leaders who can get major nuclear projects done, strengthen our energy security, and create new opportunities for Saskatchewan and Canada,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).
The federal government says strengthening Canada’s nuclear workforce is also essential for ensuring access to dependable power in underserved regions.
“Remote, northern, and rural communities need access to reliable and affordable power, but too often, that is out of reach. That’s why we’re investing in Saskatchewan’s homegrown nuclear industry and the local leaders moving it forward, so we can build a stronger, safer, and more resilient energy future for communities across our province and for generations to come,” explained the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River.
For the University of Saskatchewan, hosting Executive NEMS represents another milestone in its longstanding commitment to nuclear research and innovation.
“USask has a longstanding history in nuclear research innovation and hosting Executive NEMS reflects our continued leadership in advancing this critical field. We are honoured to welcome leaders from the IAEA and across Canada’s nuclear sector to our campus. USask is proud to bring together leading experts and innovators to grow the knowledge and partnerships that will help drive Canada’s nuclear ecosystem forward,” expressed Dr. Baljit Singh (PhD), USask Vice-President Research.
As interest in nuclear energy continues to grow globally, the new executive program positions Saskatchewan and Canada to develop the leadership capacity needed to support future nuclear projects and strengthen long-term energy security.
