MP CHERYL GALLANT PLEASED BLUE RIBBON PANEL RECOMMENDATION for AECL ACCEPTED

May 28, 2009

DEEP RIVER, ONTARIO… Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, is pleased to confirm that her recommendation for a blue ribbon committee to examine the various options on replacing the NRU at Chalk River Laboratories has been accepted and is now being implemented by the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Lisa Raitt.

“Today’s announcement regarding the restructuring of AECL represents the most progress on this file in 15 years” observed Cheryl Gallant, MP. “If the old government had acted in 1997 when an NRU replacement had cabinet approval in principle, Canada would not be facing a shortage in medical isotopes today. The women and men who work at AECL know that I have been championing an NRU replacement since I was first elected almost nine years ago.”

“Prior to the January 23rd, 2009 federal budget, I outlined to the Prime Minister as well as the cabinet the need to move forward on a NRU replacement. One of my specific recommendations was to assemble an expert panel to report back quickly on the various options available. I am pleased that our government is acting upon my recommendation,” said Cheryl Gallant, MP.

 The Government of Canada is moving forward with a restructuring plan for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to take full advantage of the revitalized global nuclear industry.  This decision follows an exhaustive Review of AECL.

The Review was launched in November 2007 as part of the Government of Canada’s due diligence and commitment to good governance and responsible management.  Its purpose was to determine whether AECL’s current structure best equips the Corporation, its employees and ultimately the Canadian nuclear industry, to participate fully in the expanding global nuclear market.  It studied several factors:  the need to control costs, to maximize Canadian taxpayers’ return on their investment, and to optimize opportunities for the Canadian nuclear industry.  The Review engaged a wide range of stakeholders, and involved external financial evaluation of the Corporation and market conditions; legal and policy analysis of restructuring; and careful study of the impacts of possible options on business prospects.

“A key element of this plan is to maximize opportunities for AECL’s employees, who are the Corporation’s most valuable assets,” said MP Gallant. “Their interests will be at the forefront throughout this restructuring. During this process I would like to encourage employees to come forward with their suggestions. The Minister has indicated that she would be willing to attend a meeting with AECL staff that I organize. If enough employees come forward, I believe such a meeting would be useful for the continued longevity and success of the Chalk River Laboratories of AECL,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.