January 28, 2025 — A poll conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Canadians for CANDU shows over 86 percent of Ontarians view CANDU as the natural choice of technology to support the expansion of nuclear production in the province.
89 percent of Ontarians believe choosing CANDU would advance Canada’s energy security as no foreign materials or involvement from foreign governments would be required.
Over half of Ontario’s electricity comes from clean, safe, and reliable CANDU nuclear energy. The Ontario government is committed to doubling the amount of renewable energy produced in the province by 2034 to meet growing demand for electricity. As part of this commitment, Ontario is planning the largest nuclear expansion in North America.
“Canada is at a crossroads,” said the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, former prime minister of Canada and co-chair of the Canadians for CANDU campaign. “As I’ve said, we need to reduce our vulnerability, including by reinforcing our energy independence. It starts with choosing CANDU and its almost all-Canadian supply chain.”
“Now, more than ever, we must double down on our made-in-Canada nuclear technology,” said Mike Harris, former premier of Ontario. “In 2024, the Canadian nuclear supply chain benefited from over $1 billion in spending thanks to CANDU. It’s the best choice to protect jobs in Ontario.”
The poll shows that overwhelming majorities of Ontarians recognize the competitive advantages of homegrown CANDU nuclear technology in comparison to foreign builds. This includes CANDU’s potential for job creation and economic growth, its ability to co-produce life-saving medical isotopes, and its use of Canadian unenriched uranium. In contrast, enriched uranium is significantly more expensive, not produced in Canada, and heavily controlled by foreign legislation.
“By choosing CANDU, we are not just investing in energy. We are investing in a future where Ontario’s skilled trades thrive, supporting the clean, reliable power that drives our economy,” said Canadians for CANDU ambassador and Coordinator for Local 2222 of the Carpenters’ Regional Council, Ryan Plante. “Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this made-in-Canada technology remain right here at home.”
“This homegrown technology not only advances Canadian energy security, but creates good jobs, supports local economies, and ensures that our communities benefit from sustainable, long-term growth,” said Mark Beardsworth, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Millwright Regional Council. “UBC Millwrights support using Canadian technology and provide the skilled labour needed for the success of these projects.”
These findings result from a survey of 1,000 adult Ontario residents conducted from December 17 to 19, 2024. The margin of error is 3.1 percent, 19 times out of 20.
About Canadians for CANDU
Co-chaired by former Ontario Premier Mike Harris and former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, Canadians for CANDU is a campaign spearheaded by AtkinsRéalis formed by industry leaders, members of the domestic supply chain, academics, labour unions, First Nations representatives and citizens who believe Canadian expertise via the CANDU technology has a leading role to play in the deployment of nuclear energy solutions at home and abroad. Learn more at: canadiansforcandu.com