This release is available in French.
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OTTAWA — The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that Canada has accepted an invitation to join the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP).
GNEP is an international partnership that promotes a safer, more secure and cleaner world through the responsible development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
“As the world’s largest producer of uranium and a country taking steps to tackle climate change through the development of clean energy technology, Canada’s responsibility is to help shape the safe and secure development of nuclear energy worldwide,” said Minister Lunn.
GNEP will focus on enhanced safeguards, and cooperative research in developing advanced technologies.
“Canada is recognized for its commitment to safety and non-proliferation,” said Minister Bernier. “By joining this partnership, we are making sure Canada can continue to be an effective advocate for those ideals.”
Minister Lunn also announced that, as part of its commitment to good governance, the Government of Canada will conduct a full review of the structure of Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL).
“It is time to consider whether the existing structure of AECL is appropriate in a changing marketplace,” added Minister Lunn. “This review will give us the information we need to make the right decisions for AECL and the right decisions for Canadians.”
The review of AECL will be led by Natural Resources Canada, with the support of the Department of Finance and full collaboration of AECL, and with the assistance of outside expertise.
Media may contact:
Louise Girouard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
The general public may contact:
Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:30 EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca