MP Gallant makes Budget Submission to Federal Finance Minister Promoting National Laboratory at Chalk River

December 18, 2009

Chalk River, Ontario… “With the announcement by our Government that proposals from investors are now being accepted for the commercial CANDU Reactor Division of AECL, now is the right time to include a line in the next Federal Budget for a new, multi-purpose research reactor,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “A new research reactor promises the most associated benefits to Canadians based on its multiple purposes. This significant piece of infrastructure investment would be the centerpiece of a new, national laboratory at the Chalk River site of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL).”

The Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) is part of AECL’s Research and Technology Division. The announcement regarding the CANDU Reactor Division does not affect the CRL. The Government will make a decision at a later date on the best management structure for that Division.

“The 52 year-old NRU has proven to have been a substantial, worthwhile investment for the taxpayers of Canada,” stated MP Gallant. “That initial decision to build the NRU has developed a $6 billion per year nuclear industry with more that 30,000 employees in well-paying, high technology, research and development jobs, the bulk of which are located here in Ontario.” 

“A Chalk River National Laboratory (CRNL) concept, as developed by the Chalk River Employees Ad Hoc TaskforcE (CREATE), is a strong option to support our national interest effectively across the broad spectrum of needs, strengthening and enhancing Canada’s international nuclear reputation, while at the same time securing Canadian jobs and our competitiveness in the resurgent global nuclear market,” said MP Cheryl Gallant.

“With the decision by our government to solicit proposals to divest the commercial CANDU Reactor division of AECL, it is in the national interest of all Canadians to maintain the science and technology skills and infrastructure necessary to answer complex issues in any part of the reactor cycle, from fuels to waste disposal, concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.”

The establishment of the Chalk River National Laboratory will deliver significant value to Canada and the world across a broad spectrum of national needs and interests. The business case for the laboratory would see a wide-ranging spectrum of customers using this research facility, protecting existing jobs as well as creating opportunities for new employment. In addition to baseline federal funding, CRNL will attract revenue from research contracts or full cost-recovery fees for access to its resources for isotope production or proprietary research. This business model will allow Canada to stop subsidizing the isotope business while securing its long-term supply.