11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 2026 – Statement by Canada – Main Committee III

New York, May 4, 2026

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Delivered by Tanya Hinton, Senior Advisor and Specialist (Nuclear), Global Affairs Canada

Chair, 

Canada re-affirms that all State parties have the right to develop, produce, and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, so long as these activities are conducted in full compliance with the NPT’s non-proliferation obligations.

The NPT provides the essential framework enabling states to access and expand the peaceful applications of nuclear technologies. Its benefits can be seen across medicine, agriculture, and clean energy production. This work would not be possible without the IAEA assisting states to safely and securely harness nuclear technology for peaceful uses. 

Nuclear energy is among the lowest-emitting sources of electricity, providing Canada and the world with reliable power that supports grid stability, energy security, and decarbonization. Canada’s collaboration with nuclear partners, including newcomer states, is guided by common priorities of safety, security, and non-proliferation.

Canada brings more than seven decades of experience in nuclear energy through its homegrown CANDU technology and deep expertise across the nuclear fuel cycle. We are committed to advancing innovation and emerging technologies, including through our advancements in small modular reactors. As always, these new technologies will be introduced in a manner that upholds the highest standards of safety and security, and in full cooperation with the IAEA on safeguards implementation.

Canada remains committed to enabling the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Our strengths position Canada as a stable and reliable partner in meeting growing global demand from both established and newcomer nuclear energy programs. The IAEA also plays an indispensable role in helping states to develop their nuclear energy programs through the Milestones Approach and promoting nuclear applications that improve public health, strengthen food systems, and enhance climate resilience through the Technical Cooperation Programme.

Chair,

Canada contributes to meeting growing global nuclear energy demand through the responsible export of nuclear materials and technologies. As the world’s second-largest producer of uranium, an exporter of CANDU reactor technology, and home to a competitive and diversified nuclear supply chain and high-quality training and education programs, Canada supports all nuclear technologies. Canada is thus active in multilateral export control regimes and has concluded 32 nuclear cooperation agreements covering 48 States to ensure that our nuclear exports are used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

Canada is equally dedicated to reinforcing international nuclear safety and security. Canada has contributed over $158 million in voluntary extra-budgetary contributions to the IAEA since 2003, including over $96 million to the Nuclear Security Fund. Canada has also chaired the IAEA Regulatory Cooperation Forum since 2022. These contributions exemplify Canada’s commitment to enabling the responsible growth of nuclear energy worldwide.

Chair,

At the same time, Canada expresses its serious concern with the nuclear safety and security risks posed by Russia’s continued occupation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and its attacks on energy infrastructure. We strongly support the IAEA’s technical efforts in Ukraine, including the implementation of the Director General’s seven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security in an armed conflict. It is imperative that all nuclear facilities in Ukraine operate under the independent regulatory authority of Ukraine’s competent body.

With respect to the situation in the Middle East, Canada reiterates its calls for restraint and urges all parties to avoid actions that could put nuclear safety and security at risk. The collective principles of nuclear safety and security must be upheld everywhere, without exception.

In closing, Canada reaffirms the centrality of the Treaty and its three pillars to the global non-proliferation architecture. Through our domestic and international engagement, we will continue to be an active partner in promoting and sharing the peaceful uses of nuclear  technologies.