Government of Canada Invites Investor Proposals for AECL CANDU Reactor Division
OTTAWA — Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the
Honourable Lisa Raitt, today invited investors to submit proposals for Atomic
Energy of Canada Limited’s (AECL) commercial CANDU Reactor Division, the next
step in restructuring the Crown Corporation.
“Nuclear energy is an emission-free source of power that is experiencing a
renaissance around the world,” said Minister Raitt. “AECL’s CANDU Reactor
Division needs strategic investors to take full advantage of this opportunity,
strengthen its global presence and reduce the financial risks carried by
taxpayers.”
Proposals will be assessed based on how well they meet set objectives,
including: ensuring that Canadians have nuclear as a safe, reliable, and
economic clean energy option; controlling costs to the Government while
maximizing the return on the taxpayers’ investment; and positioning the nuclear
industry in Canada to seize domestic and global opportunities.
“This industry employs 30,000 highly skilled Canadians, and our Government is
committed to making sure these jobs are retained and more are created,” said
Minister Raitt. “The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission, will continue its role in maintaining the safety,
security and environmental stewardship of the nuclear industry.”
AECL’s Research and Technology Division, which includes the Chalk River
Laboratories, will not be affected by today’s announcement. The top priority of
this division continues to be restarting the National Research Universal reactor
(NRU) as quickly as possible, while maintaining the highest standards of safety
and security. The Government will make a decision at a later date on the best
management structure for that Division.
For more information on the restructuring of AECL, please visit (file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/amgingra/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK7F/200950-eng.php).
Media may contact:
Jocelyne Turner or
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Natural
Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
The general public may contact:
Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY:
613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
NRCan’s news
releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.