75 Years of Canadian Nuclear Innovation
A Canadian story of research, discovery, medicine and energy.
For more than seven decades, Canada has played a significant role in the development of nuclear science and technology — advancing research, medical innovation and reliable energy production.
Planned to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the project will use this milestone as a lens through which to explore 10–15 defining moments in Canada’s nuclear history.
From pioneering nuclear research to the development of CANDU technology, Canada’s nuclear story has helped shape how we generate electricity, advance scientific discovery, and diagnose and treat disease.
That CANDU Spirit is being developed to commemorate this remarkable history by exploring the innovations, people and stories that have contributed to Canada’s nuclear legacy and its influence at home and around the world.
Which moments best tell Canada’s nuclear story?
Questions That Guide the Story
The defining moments of Canada’s nuclear history raise important questions about innovation, health, energy, leadership and the stories we preserve. These questions will help guide the research, learning and storytelling of That CANDU Spirit.
Question 1
How did the closure of the Chalk River NRU in 2018 affect Canada’s nuclear story?
Question 2
How has Canada’s nuclear story transformed cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women and children?
Question 3
What made Canada a world leader in the production of medical radioisotopes?
Question 4
How can Canada’s nuclear story contribute to conversations about climate change, energy security and climate-related anxiety?
Question 5
Over 75 years, how has Canada contributed to global progress in nuclear research and development and influenced innovation around the world?
Question 6
Which defining moments reveal the untold stories of Canada’s nuclear history — and deserve a place in That CANDU Spirit?
A National Digital Story
Connecting Canada’s nuclear history to the people, places and stories behind it.
At the centre of That CANDU Spirit will be a bilingual digital StoryMap that brings Canada’s nuclear history to life through 10–15 defining moments.
Using interactive maps, archival material, images and digital storytelling, visitors will be able to explore how these moments connect to communities, research centres, medical breakthroughs and places across Canada — while discovering stories that may not appear in traditional accounts of our nuclear history.
The project will also invite Canadians to explore microhistorical stories — the personal, local and community experiences that help reveal the human side of Canada’s nuclear story.
Inquire
Inquire
Inquire
Ask meaningful questions and investigate evidence.
Connect
Inquire
Inquire
Bring history, science, health and technology together.
Create
Inquire
Reflect
Use digital tools to communicate learning in new ways.
Reflect
Inquire
Reflect
Consider multiple perspectives and stories too often unheard.