The Media Room

Natural Resources Canada
2009/123

December 17, 2009

Government of Canada Invites Investor Proposals for AECL CANDU Reactor Division

OTTAWA — Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, today invited investors to submit proposals for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) commercial CANDU Reactor Division, the next step in restructuring the Crown Corporation.

"Nuclear energy is an emission-free source of power that is experiencing a renaissance around the world," said Minister Raitt. "AECL's CANDU Reactor Division needs strategic investors to take full advantage of this opportunity, strengthen its global presence and reduce the financial risks carried by taxpayers."

Proposals will be assessed based on how well they meet set objectives, including: ensuring that Canadians have nuclear as a safe, reliable, and economic clean energy option; controlling costs to the Government while maximizing the return on the taxpayers' investment; and positioning the nuclear industry in Canada to seize domestic and global opportunities.

"This industry employs 30,000 highly skilled Canadians, and our Government is committed to making sure these jobs are retained and more are created," said Minister Raitt. "The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, will continue its role in maintaining the safety, security and environmental stewardship of the nuclear industry."

AECL's Research and Technology Division, which includes the Chalk River Laboratories, will not be affected by today's announcement. The top priority of this division continues to be restarting the National Research Universal reactor (NRU) as quickly as possible, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. The Government will make a decision at a later date on the best management structure for that Division.

For more information on the restructuring of AECL, please visit (http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/media/newcom/2009/200950-eng.php).

Media may contact:

Jocelyne Turner
or

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister

Natural Resources Canada

Ottawa

613-996-2007

Media Relations

Natural Resources Canada

Ottawa

613-992-4447

The general public may contact:

Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST

Telephone: 613-995-0947

TTY: 613-996-4397

(teletype for the hearing-impaired)

E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/index-eng.php.