MP Gallant Attends CNSC Workshop

January 09, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario - Cheryl Gallant, MP, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, welcomed the opportunity to participate in the day-long workshop sponsored the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, (CNSC). The workshop was organized as a direct result of the decision made regarding the future of SRB Technologies and the assessment not to renew their operating licence for another 5 year term.

One of the concerns is regarding whether, in fact, there are any health risks associated with the operations of a company like SRB Technologies. SRBT has a manufacturing facility in Pembroke, Ontario, providing local employment for 36 workers. Part of their manufacturing process includes tritium, the radioactive isotope of hydrogen, the smallest and lightest element. Tritium is naturally formed in the upper atmosphere by cosmic rays. It is also formed as a by-product when electricity is generated at nuclear power plants.

"From what I have heard today, there is a clear absence of evidence to suggest that tritium exposure to workers in the industry or local residents is linked to any disease. That in and of itself is good news for the people of the upper Ottawa Valley"

"The meeting was interspersed with a group of alarmists who had no data to substantiate their fearmongering. This is very unfortunate for those who came to hear the facts. Any decision regarding tritium must be a science-based decision based on the evidence."

"One presenter made a comment about risks to people, but his professor stood up and admonished him for making false statements, including misquoting referenced studies," said Cheryl Gallant, MP.

"The controversy surrounding the leadership at the CNSC has jeopardized the confidence some people have in the organization. That is potentially bad news for the Canadian Nuclear Industry and prospective exports. It could cost our economy and local jobs."