Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCI) endorses the Federal Government's Announcement today regarding the future direction of the AECL Nuclear Laboratories

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCI) is pleased that the Federal Government has today announced the next steps in the responsible management of the assets of the AECL Nuclear Laboratories. The announcement by the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, confirms that the Federal Government has defined a process that will maintain an ongoing and vibrant nuclear science and technology program that encourages the commercial application of nuclear science and technology for the benefit of Canadians. OCI companies look forward to working with the future Government-owned and Contractor-operated (GoCo) Nuclear Laboratory in commercializing innovative nuclear technologies that support the safe, reliable and cost effective generation of electricity and that provide other societal benefits.

Canada has been a pioneering nation in developing peaceful applications of nuclear technology. The announcement today confirms that Canada will continue to be a leader and innovator in using nuclear science and technology to improve quality of life and protect the environment. OCI fully supports the Government's objective of ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer's money while using private sector expertise in generating returns on Canada's important investment in nuclear science and technology.

Nuclear Power in Canada: CANDU nuclear generation plants at the Pickering, Bruce and Darlington sites have provided more than 50 per cent of Ontario's electrical energy for the past 20 years. Ontario's' Long Term Energy Plan anticipates the refurbishment of existing CANDU units at Darlington and Bruce as well as the construction of new nuclear units at the Darlington Site to maintain a balanced and reliable electricity supply portfolio for Ontario. CANDU power plants in New Brunswick and Quebec have supplied reliable and carbon-free electricity to provincial grids and nuclear power is being evaluated in Saskatchewan to help that province meet its growing electricity supply needs while reducing green house gas emissions.

Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCI) is an association of 175 leading Canadian suppliers to the nuclear industry in Canada and around the world. OCI member companies collectively employ more than 30,000 highly skilled and specialized people who manufacture major equipment and components and provide engineering services and support for CANDU and other nuclear power plants in Canada and abroad. OCI companies also work on medical and other industrial applications of nuclear technology. In addition to advocating for the continued use of clean, reliable nuclear generation as a key part of a balanced electricity generation portfolio in Ontario, OCI organizes and leads international trade missions that help exploit Canada's strong nuclear supply chain capability in offshore markets.

SOURCE: Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCI)

Ron Oberth, President ([email protected]) or
Marina Oeyangen, Manager, Member Services and Communications ([email protected])
1730 McPherson Court, Pickering Ontario (phone [phone]).
Please visit the OCI Website at www.oci-aic.org