In May 2025, CNSC staff collected environmental samples, including air and soil, from public areas located near MNR and measured the amount of radioactive substances in the samples. CNSC’s technical specialists have tested and analyzed the samples and published the results on their website.

The levels of radioactivity measured in air and soil were below levels specified in available guidelines as well as CNSC’s own screening levels. Measurements conducted through the IEMP to date have consistently found levels of radioactivity in the environment to be low, and well within the range of natural background radiation levels.

The results confirm that the environmental protection program implemented at MNR by McMaster’s Nuclear and Health Physics staff is effective; that people and the environment in the vicinity of MNR are protected; and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.

About the McMaster Nuclear Reactor

The McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) is a 5 MW multi-purpose reactor that provides neutrons for research and medical isotope production. It is Canada’s most powerful nuclear research reactor and the nation’s only major neutron source, enabling discoveries in medicine, clean energy, nuclear safety, advanced materials and environmental science.

McMaster holds several licences from the CNSC – Canada’s nuclear materials regulator – which allow University personnel to operate McMaster’s nuclear research facilities and work with radioactive materials. McMaster’s Health Physics department is responsible for ensuring the radiological safety and training of those who work with nuclear substances and radiation devices in the McMaster community.

About the IEMP

The IEMP is a national environmental monitoring campaign established to verify that the public and the environment around licensed nuclear facilities are safe. The program is designed to build Indigenous and public trust in the CNSC’s regulation of the nuclear industry via independent, technical and accessible environmental sampling.

Learn more about the IEMP.

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Both Cloud and Rodriguez graduated from Lambton College with advanced diplomas in Chemical Production & Power Engineering Technology and joined MNR as reactor operators in April 2024. 

They passed their final certification exam in October 2025 and received their official notice of certification from the CNSC in February 2026, bringing the number of certified reactor operators at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) up to 10. 

From inside the control room and on the experimental floor, reactor operators play an essential role in the day-to-day activities at MNR, ensuring the reactor continues to function efficiently and safely. 

“I’m very happy and proud to receive my certification after many long months of studying. I’d like to give a big shoutout to all the operations staff for their support and sharing their expertise with us,” says Cloud.  

As part of the certification process, Cloud and Rodriguez completed over 480 hours of hands-on training inside the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, where they worked as assistant operators. 

“Working at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Rodriguez, who received a Chemical Engineering degree from the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH)  

“I’m grateful to the entire operations team for their guidance and support throughout the training process. I feel proud to be part of a field that’s saving lives through medical isotope production and providing clean, reliable energy for the future.”  

Derek Cappon, McMaster’s Director, Reactor Operations & Maintenance, congratulates Cloud and Rodriguez on their certification success and welcomes them as the newest certified members of MNR’s operator crew. 

“MNR’s reactor operators play a critical role in maintaining excellence at our facility and enabling cutting-edge research in medical isotopes, clean energy and materials. We’re excited to officially welcome Dylan and Luis to the team,” he says.   

The pathway to certification 

The pathway to becoming a reactor operator involves a significant amount of initial and ongoing training, including regular recertification every five years. 

Due to MNR’s unique design, operator training takes place almost entirely inside the reactor building. Reactor operators are trained in the relevant science fundamentals, reactor physics, radiation protection and safety programs, and equipment operation and repair. 

In addition to training, candidates are required to operate reactor controls under the supervision of a certified operator for a minimum of 160 hours. 

Once they have completed their training, candidates undergo verbal assessments conducted by McMaster’s Reactor Manager and Senior Health Physicist. If successful, they are required to sit for a 6-hour written certification examination which is reviewed and approved by CNSC and MNR staff. After careful review of each candidate’s training records and exam score, the CNSC grants the candidate certification. 

The licensing process takes approximately 18 months. By the time they are certified, MNR’s reactor operators have completed at least 25 comprehensive written and on-the-job evaluations. 

Nevertheless, every five years each reactor operator is required to undergo recertification, writing a new exam to ensure continued excellence in operations. 

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Nuclear Resonance is hosted by McMaster University in partnership with the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) – Golden Horseshoe Chapter.

Nearly 100 nuclear professionals, researchers and students attended the kickoff lecture, which focused on Canada’s case for nuclear fuel enrichment.  

The event marked the public release of a new whitepaper that brings together policy, industry and technical perspectives to unpack the real issues surrounding enrichment in Canada.

The co-authors of the whitepaper presented their findings, which consider how enrichment fits into the broader context of national energy security, industrial competitiveness, safeguards and public trust.

Josef Freundorfer, President of Nuclear Potential Canada, guided attendees through the background and context of the paper.

“There is a growing global demand for nuclear energy. Very few countries in the world have the resources, expertise and technology that Canada does in nuclear. This paper considers what future enrichment demands might look like, and what role Canada could play in the global supply and demand for enrichment,” he said.

Jeremy Whitlock, former Senior Technical Advisor at the International Atomic Energy Agency, discussed safeguards and regulation and Alexander MacDonald, AVP of Federal Advocacy at Counsel Public Affairs, touched on the national and international policies related to nuclear enrichment.

A panel discussion brought two of the co-authors into conversation with Arjan Bos, Senior Advisor of Advanced Fuels at Urenco, Dale Austin, Director of Government Relations at Cameco, and Demilade Fayemiwo, Director of Policy at the Canadian Nuclear Association.

They considered critical questions about enrichment. What domestic demand does Canada have for enriched nuclear fuel? What are the non-proliferation implications? What role could Canada play in a rapidly shifting global fuel supply landscape?

John Preston, McMaster’s associate vice-president, nuclear (acting) thanked the presenters for sharing their insights and noted the importance of hosting dialogues like Nuclear Resonance.

“The release of this white paper presents a timely discussion that brings together perspectives on Canada’s case for enrichment. We’re excited to kick off this lecture series with this topic and consider how we can think and strategize collectively around critical issues in nuclear,” he said.

Nuclear at McMaster and CNS thank our sponsors Nuclear Potential Canada and Counsel Public Affairs for supporting this event.

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