CHALK RIVER, ON, July 11, 2025 — Members of the Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG)—represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)—have voted to ratify their tentative agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), bringing their historic labour dispute to a successful conclusion.

The ratification vote concluded today at noon, with CRPEG's 800+ nuclear scientists and engineers voting to accept the agreement that includes hard-fought improvements over CNL's original offers.

"Our members have spoken, and they've chosen to accept an agreement that recognizes their professional value and the critical work they do for Canada," said CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. "This victory demonstrates the power of standing together and fighting for what's right."

The ratified agreement includes improvements secured through the union's historic strike action:

• $2 million increase to company-wide benefits program, benefiting all CNL employees (the first in 25 years)
• $1,700 lump sum payment to every CRPEG member
• 10.5% salary increases over three years with improved distribution (4.0% in 2024, 4.0% in 2025, and 2.5% in 2026)

The five-day selective strike marked the first PIPSC strike action in over 30 years and demonstrated the critical importance of CRPEG members' work in ensuring nuclear reactor safety, managing radioactive waste, and conducting nuclear medicine research.

"This agreement shows what's possible when professional workers stand together," said PIPSC President Sean O'Reilly. "Despite facing aggressive tactics from CNL, our members stayed strong and secured gains that benefit not just CRPEG, but all workers at the facility."

CRPEG members will return to their vital work ensuring Canada's nuclear safety and security. Their expertise supports reactor operations, radioactive waste management, environmental remediation, and nuclear medicine research that serves Canadians across the country.

The agreement concludes a dispute that began when the previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023, following 18 months of negotiations.

PIPSC's unfair labour practice complaint regarding CNL's cancellation of vacation leave perceived by members as retaliation for opting to exercise their right to strike continues through the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

The PIPSC Board of Directors recently voted to redefine the boundaries of the Quebec and Ontario regions; a portion of Nunavut located East of the 80th meridian West to the Ontario region will be merged together to better reflect the geographic and linguistic diversity of our membership. 

Members whose work location is in Nunavut will now become part of and be invited to participate in Ontario region activities. PIPSC staff are working hard to implement this change as smoothly and efficiently as possible. 

What does this mean for members in Ontario? 

Ontario members will now be considered members of the Ontario and Nunavut Region. Ontario members will not be otherwise affected by this change in regional boundaries. 

What does this mean for members in Nunavut? 

Nunavut members will now be considered members of the Ontario and Nunavut Region. If your work location is in Nunavut and you were previously a member of the Quebec region: 

• you will now be invited to participate in Ontario and Nunavut Region member events
• new labour relations matters can be directed to a steward or Employment Relations Officer (ERO) within the Toronto Regional Office 
• any existing labour relations files will continue to be represented by your ERO from the Montreal Regional Office. 

For more information about this change or if you have any questions about your membership, please contact: membership@pipsc.ca. 

For information about upcoming Ontario and Nunavut events, please contact: jpurdie@pipsc.c

On June 6, 2025, Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, was introduced in Parliament. It received Royal Assent on June 26, 2025. The review process for the Bill was accelerated and condensed. While there were no formal opportunities for PIPSC to provide input, we developed a position to encourage proper implementation and to highlight the significance of the legislation to Canadians and PIPSC members. 

PIPSC Supports CLC’s Proposed Amendments 

PIPSC endorses the Canadian Labour Congress's vision for Bill C-5 as a catalyst for internal trade and nation-building projects that create sustainable, well-paying union jobs across Canada. 

These investments could drive lasting economic benefits for workers and communities from coast to coast to coast.

We also support the CLC’s position of endorsing the following key amendments to the Bill:

• rein in ministerial powers by implementing clear legislative guardrails and mandatory parliamentary oversight
• clarify enforcement and accountability mechanisms tied to the five “national interest” criteria outlined in the Act
• guarantee robust and enforceable commitments on labour standards, community benefit agreements, and equity provisions in national projects
• enshrine the “Buy Canada” and “Buy Clean” models to ensure these projects drive domestic job creation and climate progress
• guarantee a high-standard, rights-based consultative process with Indigenous peoples that includes free, prior, and informed consent.

These amendments were needed because the new legislation grants extraordinary discretionary powers to the responsible Minister and the Governor in Council without sufficient safeguards.

Indigenous consultation

The Assembly of First Nations and other Indigenous organizations raised fundamental concerns about Bill C-5's approach to Indigenous consultation. Their opposition centers on three critical issues: 

• undermining constitutional and Treaty rights 
• weakening the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate, and 
• disregarding the principle of free, prior, and informed consent, as affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP).

While UNDRIP is referenced in the legislation, it is not a mandatory or binding criterion. This level of discretionary power removes any obligation to prioritize Indigenous rights in decision-making. Additionally, by sidestepping foundational environmental laws, this further undermines Indigenous governance over lands and waters.

PIPSC believes the federal government should commit to a true nation-to-nation relationship, reconciliation, and fulfil its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Environmental concerns

The Building Canada Act allows the government to fast-track projects by overriding various other Acts of Parliament. This includes environmental laws such as the Fisheries Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), the Species at Risk Act, and the Impact Assessment Act or the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, which can be circumvented if they oppose a new project of national importance. 

Our members at departments like Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada dedicate their careers to protecting our air, water, forests, and fisheries. The current legislation threatens to bypass their expertise and the environmental laws they uphold. 

PIPSC is in favour of new national projects, but they must be environmentally sound and this goal must be outlined in the Act and existing environment laws must be enforced.

Role of the Public Sector

When taxpayers finance major national projects, the benefits must remain in Canadian hands. This principle goes beyond patriotic sentiment—it represents sound fiscal policy and strategic national planning.

Canadian ownership and control must be non-negotiable. Projects built with public funds cannot become foreign-owned assets that extract value from Canadian communities. We need explicit legislative protections against the foreign acquisition of infrastructure that Canadians have paid to build.

Federal civil servants should lead project administration and delivery. Our public service professionals bring unparalleled expertise, institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to Canadian interests. Unlike private contractors whose loyalty follows profit margins, federal employees are accountable to the public they serve.

Public ownership deserves serious consideration as the most effective safeguard against foreign takeover. When governments retain ownership stakes, they maintain control over strategic assets and ensure long-term benefits flow to Canadian communities rather than offshore shareholders.

Skilled government employees represent better value than expensive external contractors. Our federal workforce combines technical excellence with cost-effectiveness and democratic accountability. Choosing internal capacity over outsourcing keeps expertise in-house while delivering superior results for taxpayers.

Concerns from the Federal Regulators

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Canadian Energy Regulator have special distinction under the proposed legislation. PIPSC represents the majority of unionized scientists and engineers at both these organizations. Whereas numerous pieces of legislation can be overridden to achieve authorization, projects covered by legislation that governs CNSC and CER require confirmation that certain criteria are met. For CNSC, the organization must confirm that the projects will not compromise the health or safety of persons, national security or the implementation of international obligations. CER must confirm that the project will not compromise the safety or security of persons or regulated facilities.

There is a great deal of uncertainty within those organizations about how this legislation will be implemented. There are concerns of increased pressure to approve more projects more quickly. It is unclear whether or not these organizations will be able to achieve the reviews on an accelerated timeline without compromising safety. These fears are worsened by internal staffing problems. Our members cite shortages, recruitment and retention issues. 

When industry needs personnel, it's often easier for them to poach trained professionals from the regulatory bodies with both industry experience and knowledge of the regulatory system. Legislative changes must be accompanied by investment to resolve the current staffing issues at CER and CNSC. 

Accountability, Democratic Oversight and Governance

PIPSC has serious concerns about how aggressively the Act was rushed through the House of Commons with little time for debate or discussion. 

We are also concerned that anything deemed a “national interest project” can be rushed through approval without properly accounting for existing legislation. This undermines the rule of law and raises concerns about the potential for unethical conduct.

Parliament has a duty to maintain a proper legislative process. This includes:

• Meaningful public participation in project approval decisions
• Rigorous review processes before adding projects to Schedule 1
• Full stakeholder engagement rather than perfunctory consultation

The Path Forward

Bill C-5 represents an important opportunity to strengthen Canada's economic foundation while advancing reconciliation, environmental protection, and democratic governance. But opportunity alone is insufficient—we must get the implementation right.

PIPSC supports the CLC's proposed amendments to ensure this legislation delivers on its promise of building a stronger, more prosperous Canada that works for everyone.

The choice is clear: Implement the legislation based on the following amendments, or risk undermining the very goals this legislation seeks to achieve.

Canada deserves better. Canadians expect better. With the right implementation, Bill C-5 can deliver better.

December 12th to 13th, 2025, at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.

ONLINE REGISTRATION 

September 15th - October 24th, 2025 – Once notified as having been selected to attend the PIPSC AGM 2025, all Delegates have to complete the online registration form. Please note that the deadline for registration will be strictly enforced.

DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS 

Group Presidents and Regional Directors must submit their list of approved Delegates and Alternates using this form by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Once the lists are received, the National Office will communicate with each Delegate by e-mail inviting them to register online. Please note that Delegates will not be able to register until an approved list has been received, reviewed and verified from the Groups and from the Regions. 

The number of delegates for the AGM is defined in By-Law 13 and in accordance with the delegate count.

SUBSTITUTION DEADLINES

The deadline for any changes to a delegate's participation status is Friday, December 5, 2025.

In-Person Delegates:

If an in-person delegate chooses to switch their participation from in-person to virtual, they must notify the AGM team by Friday, December 5, 2025. 

If an in-person delegate must cancel their AGM participation entirely, they must notify the AGM team by Friday, October 24, 2025. A Group or Regional Executive can then promote or appoint an alternate in-person delegate.

If an in-person delegate cancels less than one week prior to the start of the AGM (after Friday, December 5, 2025), no alternate will be permitted to register for in-person participation.

Virtual Delegates:

If a virtual delegate must cancel their AGM participation entirely, they must notify the AGM team by Friday, October 24, 2025. A Group or Regional Executive can promote or appoint an alternate virtual or in-person delegate.

If a virtual delegate must cancel their AGM participation entirely, but misses the Friday, October 24, 2025 deadline for cancellation, a Group or Regional Executive can only promote or appoint a virtual delegate up until Friday, December 5, 2025.

If a virtual delegate cancels their participation less than one week prior to the AGM (after Friday, December 5, 2025) no alternate will be permitted to register.

CHANGES TO INSTITUTE BY-LAWS

By-Law 13.1.4.1 states No By-Law shall be enacted, repealed or amended by a General Meeting unless details of proposed changes were submitted to the Office of the General Counsel no later than twelve (12) weeks prior to a General Meeting. Proposed amendments to the Institute By-Laws must be submitted by September 19, 2025, by email at resolutions@pipsc.ca .

RESOLUTIONS

By-Law 13.1.4.3 states Resolutions, in writing, must be received at the Office of the General Counsel not less than twelve (12) weeks before the commencement of a General Meeting. Resolutions must be submitted by September 19, 2025 by email at resolutions@pipsc.ca. No late resolutions will be accepted.

AGM resolutions are first received by the Resolutions Sub-Committee (RSC).

The mandate of the RSC is to consolidate, monitor and clarify resolutions for submission to the AGM. The RSC is available to help and to provide advice to sponsors regarding wording to ensure clarity and compliance with Institute By-Laws and Policies. If there is a cost associated with resolutions (financial resolutions), sponsors should submit related numbers with their resolution, for review by the RSC.

To assist in the process of writing resolutions, please refer to the pocket guide “Write that Resolution”. 

INSTITUTE FEES

Pursuant to By-Law 14.2.1, which governs fees, notice is hereby given that a change in the basic monthly fee may be proposed at the 2025 Annual General Meeting.

TRAVEL, MEETINGS & EVENTS CONSIDERATIONS

We are making every effort to be conscious of both our fiscal and political responsibilities at this year’s AGM. Costs related to the in-person event are being managed through member consultation and rigorous evaluation. We’re examining ways to deliver a high quality member experience with cost containment measures in place. The Annual General Meeting exemplifies “presence with purpose”. As the supreme governing body of PIPSC, the AGM  not only provides members with the ability to conduct important union business, but also to connect and learn together. We look forward to the opportunities this in-person event provides, as we unite for positive change.

For travel to/from airports or train stations, we will be providing delegates with an Uber promo code that can be used to cover the cost of your transportation. If you are uncomfortable using Uber, you can still be reimbursed for taxi transportation.

You will be able to access all AGM information and resources through both the AGM mobile app and PIPSC website using your own device. Tablets will not be available for use at this year’s AGM as part of our cost containment measures. We thank you for your understanding.

Delegates of the PIPSC AGM 2025 can refer to the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation.

 

The following commentary by PIPSC President was published in the Benefits Canada Magazine's Head to head Section, featuring Mark Ma, associate professor of business administration at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business and Sean O’Reilly.

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Head to head: Should employers be mandating employees back to the office?

Five years after the coronavirus pandemic normalized the concept of remote working, academic and union thought leaders agree there’s no evidence supporting return-to-office mandates.

Sean O’Reilly, president, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada

CHALK RIVER, ON, July 2, 2025 — The Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG)—represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)—has reached a tentative agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), bringing the historic labour dispute to a potential resolution.

The tentative agreement was reached Friday, June 27, at approximately 3:30 PM. Strike action has been suspended pending a ratification vote by CRPEG's 800+ nuclear scientists and engineers, tentatively scheduled for July 8, 2025. The CRPEG bargaining team will recommend ratification of the tentative agreement. 

"Our members stood together and showed the power of organized labour," said CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. "This tentative agreement demonstrates what workers can achieve when they unite for fair treatment and recognition of their professional value."

The tentative agreement includes meaningful improvements over CNL's previous offers, including:

• $2 million one-time increase to the company-wide benefits program (up from $1.75 million), benefiting all CNL employees
• $1,700 lump sum payment to all CRPEG members
• 10.5% salary increases over three years with improved distribution (4.0% in 2024, 4.0% in 2025, and 2.5% in 2026)

The five-day selective strike marked the first PIPSC strike action in over 30 years and had a significant operational impact on CNL, affecting tritium facility operations, reactor surveillance work, commercial projects, and regulatory compliance functions.

The strike demonstrated the critical importance of CRPEG members' work in ensuring nuclear reactor safety, managing radioactive waste, and conducting nuclear medicine research that serves all Canadians.

While vacation leave has been reinstated, PIPSC's unfair labour practice complaint regarding CNL's retaliatory cancellation of pre-approved vacation continues to move forward through the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

"Despite facing surveillance intimidation tactics and cancellation of vacation leave, CRPEG members stayed strong and professional," said PIPSC President Sean O'Reilly. 

The tentative agreement follows 17 months of negotiations that began when the previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023. CRPEG members commenced strike action on May 26, 2025, after declaring an impasse in negotiations. They resumed strike action on June 23, after rejecting a settlement offer from CNL.

PIPSC represents over 85,000 public-sector professionals across the country, most of them employed by the federal government. Follow us on Facebook, on X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Instagram.

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For more information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (mobile), jfillion@pipsc.ca

UPDATE: On Friday, June 27, CRPEG negotiators reached a tentative agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Thank you to everyone who took action in solidarity with CRPEG – more information is coming soon.

Join us in standing with striking Chalk River Professional Employees Group (CRPEG) members at a pivotal moment in their negotiations with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). 

We need your help to win CRPEG members the collective agreement they deserve! 

Here’s how you can help: 

Join the rally in Ottawa

Join us for our rally to tell the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources that our CRPEG members deserve a fair deal. RSVP below! 

What: Rally with us and enjoy free refreshments

When: Thursday, June 26, from noon to 1:00 PM 

Where: NRCan Headquarters, located at 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Spread the word on social media

Help us spread the word on social media by sharing our latest posts on Facebook and Instagram. Use our #SolidaritywithCRPEG hashtag and show your support loud and proud! 

Show your support on Zoom

Solidarity matters! Show your support for striking CRPEG members by changing your Zoom background to one of the following PIPSC CRPEG solidarity backgrounds. 

CRPEG members ensure the safe operation of nuclear reactors and support critical radioactive waste management and environmental remediation projects across Canada. Their expertise in nuclear medicine research impacts the health of countless Canadians. 

They protect us – now it’s time for us to protect them!