Community Support
Sponsorship that supports the local infrastructure provides an opportunity for AECL to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community, and our employees who live there.
Asthma Society of Canada
Air pollution negatively affects the respiratory health of tens of thousands of Canadians every year, resulting in pain, suffering, loss of productivity, and even death. CANDU nuclear energy is a key part of the solution because it produces virtually none of the pollutants that contribute to smog. By improving air quality, CANDU nuclear helps to reduce asthma and other debilitating respiratory related diseases. Given its close connection and association with the health benefits of clean air, it’s no wonder that AECL is a long-term sponsor and supporter of the Asthma Society of Canada. AECL is particularly pleased to be a Presenting Partner of the Asthma Society’s new Breathe Free Canada Program. Read more about AECL and the Asthma Society
Trillium Health Centre
The Trillium Health Centre, whose two sites are located in Mississauga, Ontario, is a world-class facility that has deep roots in the community. The focus is on providing a high level of patient care and offering a range of specialty services unheard of in other community hospitals. AECL is proud to sponsor the Trillium Health Centre, and support such an important part of the “cycle of life” for the local community. A plaque recognizing AECL’s sponsorship has been installed in the Nuclear Medicine area, Scan Room 1.
Educational Support
Encouraging Canada’s students to pursue careers in nuclear science, engineering and the skilled trades is an important challenge for AECL and other members of the nuclear industry. By partnering with schools and participating in career fairs to alert students to the many exciting career opportunities in the nuclear industry, AECL is helping to ensure it has the skilled people it will need to drive its success in the future.
Deep River Science Academy
AECL has supported the Deep River Science Academy, located in Deep River, Ontario, since its 1987 inception. The Academy encourages young people to go into research and development careers by providing them the opportunity to attend a six-week science enrichment program and earn two high school credits in the process. AECL’s Chalk River Laboratories acts as the host ‘campus’ location for the program. AECL also provides employee support in the capacity of Research Supervisors, which is a critical requirement for the program. As a result, a total of 60-65 students are able to attend this unique and innovative program each year.
Science East
The Science East’s Energy Awareness Outreach Program, a series of travelling exhibits and educational workshops, is focused on raising awareness of green energy generating technologies. Since 1994, Science East has been transporting its travelling exhibits to libraries, schools, museums and exhibition centres in many New Brunswick communities. Science East has visited well over 100 schools, museums or libraries in over 60 communities in New Brunswick.
Youth Science Foundation of Canada
AECL is proud to be a gold sponsor of the Youth Science Foundation of Canada (YSFC). The regional and Canada-wide fairs send students home with a wealth of skills including organizing, analyzing, evaluating, presenting, public speaking, and research and development of scientific projects, all of which are developed during the process of turning a single idea into a hypothesis and seeing it through to its conclusion. The funds provided by AECL are directed via the YSFC to the 100 regional fair finalists, and also to towards 6 Awards of Excellence in Science to students. AECL has sponsored the YSFC for 20 years.