CNA West 2026: New Nuclear Horizons
Interest in nuclear energy is growing in Western Canada, driven by increasing electricity demand and the need for a sustainable and reliable baseload electricity to strengthen energy security and support the region’s energy-intensive industries. Alberta and Saskatchewan are actively exploring the potential for nuclear energy development and together, the two provinces represent a significant opportunity to expand Canada’s nuclear footprint beyond its traditional markets and establish Western Canada as a hub for nuclear innovation, investment, and skilled jobs.
The CNA West 2026 Conference and Tradeshow, taking place from November 2 to 4 at the BMO Centre, will serve as an excellent platform for informed discussions on the industry’s progress, challenges, and collaborative opportunities. Over the course of three days, industry executives, policymakers, Indigenous partners, researchers, and innovators will come together to address key topics, including financing new nuclear projects, workforce development, supply chain expansion, regulatory readiness, environmental and impact assessments, Indigenous engagement, fuel supply, and the role of nuclear energy in supporting the region’s goal of becoming a hub for hyperscale AI data centers.
Building on the success of last year’s CNA West conference in Saskatoon, where leaders from the nuclear industry highlighted critical steps for advancing nuclear projects, this year’s theme, “New Nuclear Horizons,” will focus on the opportunities for long-term energy security and economic growth in line with Western Canada’s ambitions. This broad perspective reflects the current economic climate, as Canada continues to face a volatile trade environment, increased concerns about supply chain dependence, and a renewed focus on developing domestic capacity in strategic sectors. In this context, establishing new nuclear projects across the nation represents a pathway for domestic value creation, trade diversification, job creation, export leadership, innovation, and enhanced energy security.
Momentum is building for Western Canada’s nuclear opportunity, and CNA West 2026 provides a pivotal platform for industry leaders, policymakers, Indigenous partners, academia, labour unions, and the public to collaborate in developing a new energy industry in the region.
Registration is now open. Additional details on programming and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.