About Us


About SPEA

The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA) is an independent union representing engineers, scientists, technicians, technologists, skilled tradespersons, drafters, designers and other specialists employed by Candu Energy Inc. (formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited). SPEA members play an integral role in new nuclear reactor builds. They have helped design and build new reactors in South Korea, China, and Romania. They have also participated in refurbishing reactors in Ontario (Bruce Power) and, Korea (Wolsong), Quebec (Gentilly-2), New Brunswick (Pt. Lepreau) and Argentina (Embalse).


Formed in 1974, SPEA is one of the oldest professional unions in Canada. Collectively we represent most of Canada's nuclear power reactor design expertise. SPEA represents all technical employees at Candu, in three separate bargaining units (the "SE" bargaining unit is comprised of scientists, engineers and other professionals, the "TT" bargaining unit consists of technicians, technologists and trades, and the “PD” bargaining unit consists of drafters and designers). Each bargaining unit has a separate collective agreement with the same employer.


What SPEA Does

SPEA representatives support our members by answering any and all questions regarding the Collective Agreement or employment in general. SPEA advocates for members in their employment relationship.


SPEA also actively promotes nuclear power in the public sphere. SPEA participates in lobbying activities to promote the Canadian Nuclear Industry and nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. We meet with federal and provincial politicians to share facts about our industry and to listen to their questions and concerns. We strive to educate politicians and the public about the benefits of nuclear technology for our economy and for the environment.


Who SPEA Is

SPEA is run by an Executive Board.  Executive Board members are elected from with in the membership. All SPEA Executive members are full time Candu employees and we spend the majority of our time performing technical work at Candu. We are a highly democratic and participatory union; and our members are active and involved. The SPEA Executive consists of five Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chair) and Members-at-Large (M-a-Ls). We employ two Labour Relations Staff Representatives who support the Executive and are also available to assist members directly