Canadians for CANDU (C4C) released findings from a public opinion research study conducted by Relay Strategies from June 2 to June 7, 2026. The findings reveal that after safety, Canadians view independence from the U.S., non-interference by the U.S. government and sovereignty of nuclear technology as extremely important criteria for a technology selection.
“At a time when Canada faces growing electricity demand and increasing pressure to strengthen its energy security, these survey results demonstrate strong public support for Canadian nuclear technology in powering our economy, supporting our labour market and securing our energy future,” said former Premier of Ontario, Mike Harris, Co-Chair of C4C.
Further, eight in 10 Canadians prioritize choosing a nuclear technology company that supports the most Canadian jobs such as nuclear engineers, welders and power workers; and 72 per cent of the respondents expressed more trust in Canadian nuclear technology than in U.S. nuclear technology.
The research highlights that the public clearly expects the government to choose nuclear technology that puts “Canada first”, from energy security, to deploying Canadian nuclear technology to skilled trades that build or refurbish nuclear facilities.
“The engineers, skilled trades, suppliers, academics and nuclear researchers that support CANDU understand we are at a pivotal moment for the nuclear industry and for Canada. We have an opportunity to leverage the CANDU technology for the benefit of Canadians and Canada,” concluded Harris.
“Canadians have strong opinions about their energy supply and the infrastructure that supports it. 8 in 10 Canadians believe it’s “critically important” that Canada control its own electricity supply,” said Kyla Ronellenfitsch, President of Relay Strategies. “This means a strong preference for procuring nuclear reactors from Canadian-based companies.
About C4C
Canadians for CANDU is an industry coalition whose mission is to secure Canada’s clean energy future through the adoption of CANDU technology. Canadians for CANDU advocates for CANDU technology as the only option that maintains full Canadian ownership and control over critical nuclear infrastructure, supports Canadian innovation, diversification of exports and energy independence and security. Learn more at: Canadians for CANDU
About the Study
This survey was conducted on behalf of Canadians for Candu by Relay Strategies, an Ottawa-based full-service public opinion research firm. It was conducted online from June 2 – 7, 2026, among a representative sample of n=2801 Canadians, including oversamples of Ontario (total n=1073) and Saskatchewan (total n=530). The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of this size is +/- 2%,19 times out of 20.
For questions about the study, contact Kyla Ronellenfitsch, President of Relay Strategies, via email at kyla@relaystrategies.ca.
