Western Canadian Nuclear Law Masterclass

The University of Calgary School of Public Policy, International Nuclear Law Association, Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society (GIEMS) and MLT Aikins are excited to host leading international and Canadian authorities to discuss legal and policy topics of interest for nuclear development in Western Canada.

Please join us for a day of industry panel discussions, presentations and interactive sessions, concluding with a networking reception.

Program overview:

Power, Policy and Risk: Navigating Canada’s Nuclear Legal Landscape

This session will dive into the legal foundations shaping nuclear development in Canada – from constitutional authority to real-world risk allocation – across the full project lifecycle. Speakers will unpack how Federal nuclear regulation intersects with Provincial environmental oversight and what that means for proponents operating in power generation, uranium mining and transportation.

The discussion will also explore how Canada’s international obligations influence domestic regulation and cross-border projects, alongside the growing importance of Indigenous consultation in regulatory processes. Attendees will gain practical insights into emerging litigation risks, evolving legal expectations and strategies to manage complexity and move projects forward with confidence.

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Legal, Regulatory and Supply Chain Considerations

A discussion about the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining and fuel fabrication to use, storage and long term waste management. The discussion will highlight supply chain dynamics, risk allocation and emerging issues related to SMRs, fuel security and long term stewardship in a Western Canadian context.

Implementing Nuclear at the Provincial Level

This panel will explore the Provincial role in enabling nuclear energy development, with a focus on how responsibilities, planning and decision making are being considered and implemented across Western Canada. The discussion will also address coordination between Provincial and Federal authorities and highlight similarities and key differences across Western Canada.

Financing Nuclear: European Models and Canadian Applications

This session will examine nuclear financing through the lens of European models, with a focus on risk allocation, capital attraction and consumer impacts. Ximena Vásquez‑Maignan will present on international nuclear financing structures and lessons learned from Europe.

Building New Nuclear

This panel will explore legal and commercial considerations for delivering new nuclear projects in Western Canada, moving from early-stage interest to executable builds. The discussion will focus on project delivery models, risk allocation across the lifecycle, organizational readiness, supply chain readiness, intellectual property and the practical challenges of advancing SMRs and potential large-scale projects within Western Canada.

Exploring check-in stations for the various areas of law where event attendees can connect on common topics, discuss issues and submit questions. This will be an interactive session where event attendees can pre-submit questions either physically or via text. In the session, we will cover the below topics and other audience submitted questions.

Canadian Capital Stack – Financing and Government Support

This panel will explore the Canadian capital stack for nuclear projects, including the role of private capital, utilities, governments and Crown entities. Discussion will focus on how nuclear projects could realistically be financed in Canada, what forms of government support may be required and how risk is allocated across sponsors, ratepayers, taxpayers and investors – particularly for SMRs and first of a kind projects.

Long-Term Legitimacy and Community Value

This discussion will explore what it takes for nuclear projects to maintain legitimacy over decades of development, operation and stewardship. It builds on lessons from site selection, Indigenous engagement and long-term governance, with a focus on how proponents create durable trust and meaningful value for host communities.

Speakers:

• • Professor Rüdiger Tscherning, Associate Professor, University of Calgary Faculty of Law and Research Fellow (Nuclear Law and Policy) School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
  • Brady Chapman, Lawyer, Energy and Natural Resources law, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Rangi Jeerakathil, Partner, Environmental, Energy and Indigenous law, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Jessica Buhler, Partner, Environmental and Indigenous law, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Erin Eccleston, Partner, Corporate and Mining law, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Khalil Bukhari, General Counsel, Newcleo Ltd.
  • MLA Chantelle de Jonge, Alberta Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities, Chair of Alberta’s Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel
  • David Brock, Vice President, Nuclear Development SaskPower
  • Ximena Vásquez‑Maignan, Counsel and Lead, Nuclear Group, White & Case LLP
  • Jonathan Troyer, Partner, Major Projects and Transactions law, MLT Aikins LLP
  • Chelsea Gunter, Boreal Energy Advisors
  • Tristan Jackson, CEO, Nikutik LP

Event details:

• Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m, with an on-site networking reception 5–7 p.m.
• KPMG Tower, 1^st Floor Conference Centre (240 4 Ave SW, Calgary)
• Cost: Free
• Lunch, snacks and refreshments will be provided
• Registration closes: July 7, 2026
• For questions, contact events@mltaikins.com
• Space is limited for this event and we reserve the right to decline registrations