MP Cheryl Gallant with Dr. Neil Alexander, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Civil Nuclear Canada Ltd.
Ottawa, Ontario— “Canada’s nuclear industry is poised for future growth and prosperity,” according to discussions at the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) Annual Conference and Trade Show in Ottawa. MP Cheryl Gallant joined more than 650 delegates from the nuclear community who were attending the conference, themed ‘Leadership Through Innovation.’
“The conference was an opportunity for me to promote Renfrew County, with its skilled workforce associated with Chalk River, as an industry friendly location to do business. Canada’s nuclear industry goes far beyond being a safe, reliable, clean, affordable source of energy. Nuclear plays an important role in medicine, research and food safety. The highly skilled jobs associated with nuclear here in Renfrew County make crucial contributions to the Canadian economy,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP. “Our workers have valuable skills to offer. It makes business sense for any nuclear-associated business to consider Renfrew County for any planned expansion or growth.”
Other conference highlights included a keynote speech by Patrick Lamarre on the future opportunities for SNC-Lavalin Nuclear following their recent acquisition of the CANDU Reactor Division of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, and the presentation of the annual Ian McRae Award to Mr. Gerald (Jerry) Grandey, former Chief Executive Officer of Cameco Corporation.
Underscoring the industry’s growth, the Honourable Rob Norris, Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for Innovation, announced a multi-year agreement to provide funding for the new $30 million Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation in that province.
“Too many of the 71,000 jobs that are connected directly or indirectly to Canada’s nuclear industry are located here in Ontario for this province to continue to send conflicting signals whether it supports this industry and the jobs that go with it,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP.
“The Government of Canada has issued a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) to gauge the interest of stakeholders in participating in the future of the Chalk River Laboratories, especially in the areas of investing, managing, partnering and contracting. I encourage local stakeholders to contact the province of Ontario to let it know just how important the nuclear industry is to the jobs and economic future of this province,” concluded MP Gallant.
Media Release MP CHERYL GALLANT ATTENDS CANADIAN NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE