CHALK RIVER, ONTARIO — MP Cheryl Gallant, (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) recently met with members of “CREATE;” (Chalk River Employees Ad hoc TaskforcE for a National Laboratory) to encourage their participation in the “request for expression of interest” that is currently taking place regarding the future of the AECL/Chalk River Laboratories (CRL).
“I am pleased to confirm that in my discussions with Federal Natural Resources Minister the Honourable Joe Oliver, the Minister is very receptive to input from a wide-variety of sources. I have made sure that Minister Oliver understands the considerable time and effort that was put in by our CREATE Committee to present a vision of the future for the labs,” remarked Cheryl Gallant, MP. “In the past, previous Governments have not been receptive to engaging the public or AECL employees for their input. I am pleased with of the role I have had, which started with an idea, and the drawing together of other like-minded individuals first meeting in my office, to the extensive dialogue and consultative process we have today.”
“CREATE came together as a result of the encouragement I received from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and my desire to engage local residents in a vision for the future of the Chalk River laboratories (CRL). This is an example of grassroots democracy in the decision-making process,” said Gallant, MP. “This is a departure from the ‘old way’ of doing things and I could not be more pleased.”
“I cannot be clearer. There is a desire on the part of the federal government to revitalize CRL. This represents an exciting opportunity for our scientific community and other interested members of the AECL/Chalk River family to share their ideas on how to accomplish this renewal,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP. “My only concern is that the Provincial Government in Toronto does not recognize the importance of supporting the 70,000 science and research jobs that Ontario depends on from Canada’s Nuclear Industry. Other provinces recognize Canada’s role as an energy superpower. Now is the time for leadership.”
“It is my pleasure to publically thank those AECL employees who recently responded positively to my call for suggestions and ideas on how together we can grow Canada’s Nuclear industry. I have already had feedback that a number of excellent suggestions have gone to Federal Natural Resources Minister Oliver. Please, keep those suggestions coming,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.