Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a federal Crown corporation responsible for the long-term, contractual arrangement with Canadian National Energy Alliance (CNEA) for the management and operation of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) under a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) model. This follows the announcement by the Government of Canada in June 2015 of the selection of CNEA through a competitive procurement process. AECL works to monitor performance under the GoCo arrangement to meet Government objectives.
Under the GoCo model, AECL leverages its facilities, assets and intellectual property by bringing to bear private-sector rigour in the operation of the nuclear laboratories through the contract with CNEA, and fulfils its core mandate to: deliver on Canada’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities, provide nuclear expertise to support federal responsibilities, and offer services to users of the nuclear laboratories on commercial terms.