Bruce County’s nuclear workforce: local roots, global reach

Last week, at the Port Elgin Candu Energy office, Saugeen Shores mayor Luke Charbonneau met with Corina Nay, project manager for Candu Energy’s Romania project, to discuss her remarkable journey in the nuclear industry and the growing impact of Bruce County’s workforce on the global stage.

A resident of Point Clark, Nay shared her passion for Bruce County. “I love the fresh air, life by the lake, the trails, the people, the community, and no traffic. It’s a beautiful place to live and work.”

Her career in nuclear began more than 20 years ago when she was fresh out of university and eager to learn. She started on the construction side of the business, focusing on thermal insulation and shadowing her site supervisor to gain hands-on experience.

Nuclear runs in her family - both her parents worked in the sector, and she credits them with teaching her communication skills that have been vital throughout her career. Her husband also works in nuclear, and together, they’ve travelled for various projects, including assignments in South Korea, New Brunswick, Bruce County, and now, Romania.

Nay credits Candu Energy and local partnerships, including the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and Georgian College, for supporting her transition into project management and ongoing professional development.

“I’ve learned something new at every site, and I’ve been lucky to have great mentors along the way,” she said. “It’s rewarding to be part of a Canadian success story that reaches around the world, while still being able to enjoy everything Bruce County has to offer.”

For the past two years, she has managed a major project in Romania, travelling there two to three times per year, depending on the project phase, also visiting the Mississauga head office and suppliers across Ontario. She noted the challenge of time-zone differences but finds her ability to speak Romanian invaluable for remote meetings and on-site collaboration.

The interview highlighted the unique opportunity for Bruce County professionals to contribute to international projects while staying rooted in their local community.

Charbonneau emphasized the importance of mentorship and workforce development, especially for women and young professionals in Grey and Bruce counties. “A lot of what’s happened here over the past few years has been about getting folks like Corina (Nay) into roles like project management and enabling skills-training and workforce development to support nuclear and other industries in the area. It’s encouraging to see how local talent is shaping the future of Canadian nuclear technology.”

Nay reflected on her experiences as a woman in the nuclear sector, noting that the environment has improved significantly over the past two decades.

“Now it’s a lot better than 20 years ago,” she said. “I feel supported by my team and management. My advice to women - and to anyone - is to have confidence, don’t be discouraged if you’re the only woman at the table, and recognize that you have something valuable to contribute. Share your experiences and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”

Her own stories highlight how she overcame fears, whether working at heights or in confined spaces, and how those challenges helped her grow. Today, she values mentoring and coaching new employees and sees herself continuing in this role. She doesn’t have a specific career plan but is committed to taking advantage of opportunities as they arise, with mentorship as a future goal.

The conversation also touched on the significance of Canadian nuclear technology which has quietly powered communities for decades and is now at the forefront of a global shift toward clean energy. Bruce County’s workforce is playing a vital role in this transformation, supported by such organizations as the NII which provides skill development and industry advancement opportunities for the region.

Nay's advice for those considering a career in nuclear is simple yet powerful. “Be curious, ask questions, and develop your skills. It’s an exciting and rewarding journey, and there’s never been a better time to get involved.”

As the world turns to nuclear energy for clean, reliable power, Bruce County stands at the forefront of this renaissance - proving that local expertise can have a global impact.



Saugeen Shores mayor Luke Charbonneau (left) chats with Corina Nay, project manager, and Kerry Nichol, manager, marketing and stakeholder engagement - Candu Energy; photo courtesy of Candu Energy