Canada Enters the Nuclear Age: A Technical History of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited as Seen from Its Research Laboratories

Richard G. Kuhn is an associate professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

Canada’s involvement in the development of nuclear power began in 1939
with the establishment of a nuclear laboratory in Montreal. Subsequent
developments led to the construction of research facilities in Chalk
River and eventually the construction of commercial power reactors.
Nuclear energy provides about 15 percent of electricity in Canada and
accounts for 60 percent of the electricity used in Ontario. Only two
commercial reactors are located outside of Ontario—in Quebec and New
Brunswick.

This book, written by 16 Canadian research scientists, focuses on the
technical developments and innovations that have characterized the
history of the nuclear industry. Encyclopedic in scope, the book in
comprehensive and accessible. The illustrations lead the uninitiated
reader through the complexities of the ongoing quest to harness the
atom. Topics range from outlining the basics of nuclear physics to
advanced and considered perspectives on pure and applied research.
Chapters also deal with the development of the CANDU reactors, waste
management, and nuclear safety. The book concludes with a retrospective
on the Canadian nuclear program, concluding with an interesting
itemization of 18 “lessons learned.”

Canada Enters the Nuclear Age will appeal to those interested in the
technical history of a major Canadian industry. The style is consistent
and clear throughout, a real tribute to the authors and editor.