Ottawa, Ontario -“The Nuclear Industry in Canada needs to be more assertive when it comes to explaining that nuclear means more than clean, green-house gas free electricity,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP. “Unfortunately, it seems to be only the negative stories get media play. I was very pleased by the response from other Parliamentarians to my recent statement in the House of Commons. They express pleasant surprise when I tell them about all the vital research that is currently taking place at the AECL Chalk River Laboratories.”
Excerpt from Hansard, March 14, 2012
Mrs. Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, Conservative)
Mr. Speaker, the safety of Canadians is the top priority for employees at the Chalk River nuclear laboratories of AECL. In 2011, we witnessed first-hand the importance of safety in the nuclear industry after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Our home-grown nuclear industry is a world leader when it comes to developing cutting-edge technologies to mitigate risks.
The people of Chalk River Laboratories have developed a technology to absorb hydrogen gas. This gas represents a hazard in events such as occurred in Japan. The devices, known as passive autocatalytic recombiners, have successfully sold across Canada and to nuclear operators in Europe and Asia.
Canada was only able to develop this technology as a result of the testing facilities at Chalk River Laboratories. The nuclear industry is a vital part of Canada’s economy. Over 50 companies and 70,000 full-time jobs help fuel our knowledge economy.
Congratulations to everyone who works at Chalk River Laboratories for making it one of the world’s leading centres in nuclear science and research.
“This is just one of the many activities that are happening in Chalk River. As a tier 1 nuclear nation, Canada benefits from having been involved in the nuclear industry for over 60 years. Our expertise is sold world-wide.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the past and present AECL employees who responded positively to my recent call to write a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources explaining why the work done at Chalk River Laboratories is so important. Please, keep those comments coming,” concluded MP Gallant.
Cheryl in the House of Commons
Media Release – MP Cheryl Gallant Promotes AECL in Parliament