OCNI Hosts 2026 Nuclear Industry Day in Partnership with Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation
Tiverton, Ontario – The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), in partnership with Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), hosted the 2026 OCNI Nuclear Industry Day on September 15–16 at Bruce Power’s B10 facility and the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) Advanced Technology Campus.
The two-day event brought together Canada’s nuclear supply chain for a full day of conversations, collaboration, and new connections to prepare for the strategic growth ahead. Participants heard from a range of high-level experts and executives, sharing insights into capacity, risk, investment, and practical steps suppliers can take to prepare for increasing demand.
Day 1 kicked off with a bustling trade show on the B10 floor, opening with a safety moment, Land Acknowledgement, and a welcome song and prayer by Elder Ronny. The energy continued into the evening at the NII Advanced Technology Campus reception, which featured opening remarks from utility leadership, including Eric Chassard and James Scongack of Bruce Power, and Brenda McDonald of OPG. A major highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Community Development Fund by James Scongack, which proudly supports the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), United Way Bruce Grey, and Wounded Warriors of Canada.
The evening concluded with an engaging panel titled “Small Changes, Big Impact: The Stories Behind the Success”. The discussion highlighted industry momentum and featured leaders from CANDU, Framatome Canada, E.S. Fox Limited, Hooper Welding Enterprises Ltd, and Park Derochie Canada.
Day 2 shifted the focus to preparing the supply chain for upcoming opportunities. Following opening perspectives from OCNI Board Chair Lisa McBride, Terry Rothmaier, Senior Vice President of Nuclear Operations at Bruce Power, and Zeina Elhami, Chief Supply Officer at OPG, attendees received a message from the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
The program featured a sponsor keynote by Maura McDonald of Candu Energy Inc. and an inspirational keynote by Alan Talafierro of Deloitte Inc., who explored how AI and smart factories can advance industrial operations. A pivotal panel titled “Ready for Growth?” examined supply chain capacity challenges and risks, followed by practical financing strategies for growing companies shared by Mike Scott of Pelican Energy Partners LP.
“Whether participating as an attendee, exhibitor, speaker, sponsor, or industry partner, the involvement of our members helped make this event a resounding success,” said OCNI President and CEO Ivette Vera-Perez. “We truly appreciate the time, energy, and enthusiasm everyone brought to the two days, and we are incredibly grateful to Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation for their collaboration in bringing our industry together.”
The formal program closed with a unified “Call to Action” from Eric Chassard and Zeina Elhami, summarizing expectations and outlining what members can do over the next year to deliver and prepare. Unique to OCNI events, the afternoon was dedicated to direct collaboration, featuring curated B2B meetings across five rooms where suppliers had the opportunity to build direct connections with Tier 1 buyers.
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.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is Canada’s only private-sector nuclear generator, producing 30% of Ontario’s electricity and advancing clean energy solutions while creating thousands of jobs across Ontario.
About Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is Ontario’s largest clean power producer and a recognized climate leader, generating affordable, reliable electricity while leading the development of new nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy projects.