Grant Gardiner

This 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for Énergie atomique du Canada limitée (EACL) details progress from April 2024 to March 2025. It is guided by a mission to promote nuclear innovation for clean energy and improve the quality of life for Canadians, while caring for the land. The strategic direction is built upon key pillars including decarbonization, advancing science and technology, managing radioactive waste and decommissioning, fostering nuclear medicine, and strengthening community engagement. It emphasizes climate resilience, environmental management, sustainable procurement, health and safety, diversity and inclusion, employee attraction, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, all supported by robust governance and risk management.

The 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report details Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) ESG strategy and its progress during the fiscal year April 2024 to March 2025. The strategy is structured around five strategic differentiators—decarbonization, science and technology, radioactive waste management and decommissioning, nuclear medicine, and community engagement and development—and supported by eight baseline expectations. It aims to integrate ESG principles, drive nuclear innovation, protect the environment, and promote a sustainable future for Canada and the world, aligning with federal priorities and contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This annual public meeting for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) covered various strategic areas amid a changing political landscape and new government priorities emphasizing national building and nuclear energy investment. Key discussion points included the Board Chair's perspective on the past year, CEO remarks on budget adjustments, and detailed reviews of federal nuclear science and technology plans. Topics encompassed the development of clean energy technologies, contributions to national security, major projects like the cleanup of Port Hope and campus revitalization, and the renewal of the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories contract. Significant attention was given to advancing fusion energy through reports and international cooperation, leveraging tritium science expertise, and managing intellectual property, including engagement with small reactor technologies. Furthermore, extensive discussion focused on AECL's indigenous engagement commitments, including listening, learning, sharing knowledge, and empowering nations through partnership, particularly concerning the near surface disposal facility and environmental monitoring programs in collaboration with various First Nations.

This Accessibility Plan for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited outlines the organization's strategic approach to identifying, removing, and preventing accessibility barriers in compliance with the Accessible Canada Act. The plan focuses on seven key areas: employment, the built environment, information and communication technologies, communication (other than ICT), procurement of goods, services, and facilities, design and delivery of programs and services, and transportation. It aims to enhance accessibility for employees and the public, fostering an inclusive environment.

The public meeting of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) included discussions on safety and security protocols, as well as COVID-19 safety measures. The meeting also addressed the land acknowledgement of the Algonquin Anishinabe people and featured an opening prayer. Key topics included the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on AECL and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), the contributions of CNL employees to the national effort against COVID-19, and AECL's role in driving nuclear opportunities for Canada. The meeting further covered AECL's oversight role, funding, and commitment to environmental stewardship, diversity, sustainability, and reconciliation with indigenous peoples.