Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is pleased to announce that Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has completed a thorough procurement process and has selected Nuclear Laboratory Partners of Canada (www.nlpoc.ca) as the preferred bidder to manage and operate CNL beyond September 2025.
This is great news for the future of Canada’s national nuclear laboratories, including the important work carried out in the Port Hope community. The new parent company brings extensive experience managing national-scale nuclear sites and projects, and its management team’s expertise will strengthen the Canadian nuclear industry for years to come.
Nuclear Laboratory Partners of Canada (NLPC) is led by BWX Technologies Inc. including BWXT’s recently acquired Canadian subsidiary Kinectrics, along with Amentum and Battelle both based in the United States.
A GoCo contract, which stands for Government-owned, Contractor-operated, is a partnership model where the government retains ownership of the government’s assets, intellectual property, and projects but hires a private-sector contractor to manage and operate its nuclear facilities and work sites. This arrangement allows the government to maintain control and oversight while leveraging the contractor’s specialized expertise to efficiently run day-to-day operations, maintain safety standards, and deliver project outcomes. It combines the strengths of public accountability with private-sector innovation and flexibility.
Since the adoption of the GoCo model, CNL has benefited from combining public sector ownership with private sector expertise. This partnership has enabled CNL to operate with flexibility and efficiency while maintaining stability in its personnel and mission. The new contract with NLPC will continue this approach, ensuring consistency in daily operations alongside fresh expertise and leadership.
Although there will be a change in leadership at CNL’s executive level, senior management will remain in place locally, to continue building on the progress made so far to complete the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI). CNL will also continue to support environmental protection, restoration and the growing resurgence of nuclear energy, science, and technology in Canada.
With a planned transition in September 2025, CNL and NLPC will work closely in the coming months to ensure a smooth onboarding process. This partnership aims to keep CNL’s operations of the PHAI successful while continuing to deliver value to the Port Hope community and the wider Canadian nuclear sector.
