AtkinsRealis welcomes Makwa-Dewar as new Canadians for CANDU ambassador

Published: 2025-06-06 10:17:37 ET ATRL.TO

Published on 06/06/2025 at 10:17

Montreal - AtkinsRealis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, welcomes Makwa-Dewar as a new ambassador in support of the Canadians for CANDU campaign.

Makwa-Dewar is a full-service general contractor proudly rooted in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario, that delivers proven performance through a First Nations perspective, blending Indigenous values with technical excellence across a wide range of industrial and infrastructure services.

The company offers comprehensive solutions including outage and project services, scaffold and access systems, insulation, coating and painting, excavation and earthworks, site works, facility and building maintenance, hazardous material abatement, and logistics support. Their integrated approach ensures safety, reliability, and cultural alignment on every project. As an Indigenous-led organization, Makwa-Dewar is committed to building lasting partnerships and delivering high-quality results that reflect both community values and industry standards.

The Canadians for CANDU campaign was launched on February 28, 2024, and is proudly supported by organizations including organized labour, supply chain, nuclear medicine, education, and Indigenous Canadian organizations. Spearheaded by Co-Chairs the Right Honourable Jean Chretien and former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, the campaign promotes the deployment of CANDU nuclear technology at home and abroad in support of Canadian and global efforts to reach net-zero emissions.

'I would like to thank Makwa-Dewar for their leadership in Canada's world class nuclear sector, and their support for CANDU technology,' said Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRealis. 'This growing movement can position Canada as a global clean energy champion, while promoting a domestic nuclear industry that Canadians can be proud of.'

'At Makwa-Dewar, we are proud to support CANDU technology. We have participated in the construction, maintenance, refurbishments, and decommissioning of Ontario's nuclear fleet since the 1960s,' said Bill Donnelly, Vice President at Makwa-Dewar. 'Nuclear technology will be a vital component of the global energy mix in achieving emissions targets. CANDU will help Canada remain a leader in this industry.'

The CANDU moment

Canada enjoys world-leading expertise in the design, construction, operations, maintenance, and overall program management of nuclear reactors, supported by a highly qualified supply chain. CANDU technology is one of Canada's most important innovations and remains the nation's only domestically developed and licensed nuclear technology.

CANDU technology-which uses natural uranium-renowned for its safety, efficiency, and versatility, stands as a source of pride for Canadians and remains a leading force in nuclear innovation worldwide. Six decades after it was first developed, it stands as the linchpin of a vibrant Canadian nuclear ecosystem that supports over 89,000 stable and well-remunerated jobs across a wide variety of professional and skilled trades fields, not to mention researchers at our world-class universities and research institutions.1

CANDU technology remains the only nuclear power technology that coproduces the medical isotopes that are used in cancer-fighting treatments and the sterilization of medical devices. The current CANDU fleet in Ontario produces 50% of the world's supply of Cobalt-60, which is used for medical device sterilization.2

CANDU intellectual property is owned by the federal government. It is a national strategic asset critical to the energy transition, supporting significant economic opportunities for Canadians.

The Canadians for CANDU campaign calls on the federal and provincial governments to support the only made-in-Canada nuclear technology on the market to help the country reach net-zero and support a thriving domestic nuclear ecosystem.

The choice is clear. It's time to choose CANDU.

About Canadians for CANDU

Canadians for CANDU includes industry leaders, members of the domestic supply-chain, academics, and citizens who believe Canadian expertise and innovation has a leading role to play in the deployment of nuclear energy solutions at home and abroad. canadiansforcandu.com

About AtkinsRealis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRealis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Makwa-Dewar

Makwa-Dewar Limited Partnership is a collaboration between Makwa Development Corporation and Dewar Industrial Services Inc., uniting decades of industry experience with a strong First Nations perspective. The partnership delivers a broad range of construction and industrial services with a focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Makwa Development is a First Nation-owned business rooted in the local community, offering services in construction, forestry management, and fabrication. Committed to sustainable development, Makwa brings a unique cultural perspective and values-driven approach to every project.

Dewar Industrial Services is an accredited provider of industrial and construction solutions across various sectors, known for its operational excellence and commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance results. The Dewar name has been known in the Canadian construction industry since 1957, building a reputation for quality, innovation, and successful project delivery.

Together, Makwa-Dewar serves as a model of how Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses can work in partnership to drive meaningful impact. The company is dedicated to delivering exceptional service while creating economic opportunities and fostering community development within Indigenous communities.