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
- By Christopher Smith -
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, have 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.