OTTAWA, Feb. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Parliamentary Secretary Kim Rudd, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today delivered a keynote address at the 2016 Canadian Nuclear Association Conference, where she highlighted the Government of Canada's support for the nuclear industry as a contributor to Canada's low-carbon energy mix.
In her remarks, Parliamentary Secretary Rudd emphasized the importance of investing in clean energy research and development, as well as fostering private sector investments in clean technology, as the Government works toward meeting its climate change goals. She reiterated the Government's commitment to working with Canada's nuclear sector in its efforts to capture new opportunities both at home and around the world.
Parliamentary Secretary Rudd reaffirmed the Government's continued support for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) — including efforts to revitalize the facilities at its Chalk River Laboratories and to address federal nuclear waste responsibilities. As part of this effort, construction of a new, state-of-the-art nuclear science building that will allow for cutting-edge and unique research is already underway
Quick Facts
- Nuclear energy generates about 16 percent of Canada's electricity, including more than half the electricity in Ontario.
- The nuclear industry generates over $6 billion in revenues per year and directly employs 30,000 people.
- Canada has established one of the most stringent nuclear regulatory systems in the world with a strong, independent nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Quote
"The nuclear industry is a strategic asset for Canada as a key driver of innovation, employer of highly qualified people and source of low-carbon electricity. And our government believes that the industry has an important role to play as Canada transitions to a clean energy future."
Kim Rudd
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Laurel Munroe, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100
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