OCNI and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Host 2026 Industry Day and Banquet
Pembroke, Ontario — The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), in partnership with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), hosted the 2026 OCNI and CNL Banquet Dinner and Industry Day on September 23–24 in the Pembroke and Chalk River area.
The two-day event brought together OCNI members, industry leaders, suppliers, and the CNL team to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration within Canada’s nuclear supply chain. Participants engaged in forward-looking discussions on operations, procurement, and sustainability, while networking directly with key decision-makers.
The event kicked off on September 23 at the Germania Club in Pembroke with a series of CNL presentations detailing mission updates in science and technology, sustainability, and Indigenous relations. The evening transitioned into a networking reception and Banquet Dinner, called to order by OCNI President and CEO Ivette Vera-Perez.
Following a Land Acknowledgment recognizing the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people and the nearby Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, attendees heard remarks from Dennis Carr, President and CEO of CNL; Chief Greg Sarazin of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation; Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy; and Fred Dermarkar, President and CEO of AECL. The banquet proudly supported Minwaashin Lodge, an Indigenous Women’s Support Centre in Ottawa, and featured desserts inspired by Indigenous food traditions, including Berry Bannock Bread Pudding and Sweetgrass & Cherry Cake.
On September 24, the focus shifted to a bustling tradeshow, officially opened by Philip Kompass. Following welcoming remarks from Ivette Vera-Perez and Nadine Jean-Francois, Vice-President of Supply Chain at CNL, attendees received regional updates from David Wybou of Renfrew County and Sabrina Ayres of MRC Pontiac. The day provided opportunities for direct connection, featuring site tours departing from the Minwamon Building and insights from industry sponsors including George Dolinar of WSP, Andrew Wright of Swagelok Ontario | Atlantic Canada, and Nicolas Box of Aecon.
“From the conversations on the trade show floor to the connections made throughout the event, it was fantastic to see our nuclear supply chain come together,” said OCNI President and CEO Ivette Vera-Perez. “We are incredibly grateful to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories for their continued collaboration and for welcoming our members and suppliers. Events like this are a great reminder of the strength, expertise, and collaboration that continue to drive Canada’s nuclear industry forward.”
OCNI extends its sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors who made the Industry Day possible, creating valuable opportunities for the broader industry to connect. Special thanks to Banquet and Co-Event Partners AECOM and the Canadian Decommissioning Alliance (CDA), alongside Silver Sponsors WSP, Aecon, and Swagelok; Lanyard Sponsor Thorburn; Bronze Sponsor Westinghouse; Lunch Sponsor PTAG; and Coffee Break Sponsor EGIS Group.
About OCNI
The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) is the leading advocate for Canada’s nuclear supply chain, promoting the production of safe, clean, and dependable nuclear electricity. Representing over 240 member companies, OCNI’s network includes leading suppliers of engineering, manufacturing, and technical services to the Canadian and international nuclear marketplace.