2009-02-05 QP - Chalk River Nuclear Facilities

Mr. David McGuinty (Ottawa South, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, after 10 days of questioning, the minister is finally tabling a report confirming the radioactive leaks, both liquid and gaseous, at Chalk River. The Conservatives have known for exactly two months now. Apparently everyone knew, except 33 million Canadians. Will the minister admit that if the information had not been leaked to the media, Atomic Energy Canada would never have acknowledged the facts and Canadians would never have known?

Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Natural Resources, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we asked for reports from AECL, from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and from our Natural Resources Canada officials. They produced reports. The reports were received yesterday and tabled this morning in Parliament to give full disclosure to Canadians that there was no radioactive leak into the Ottawa River and that there is no risk to the health and safety of Canadians.

Hon. Geoff Regan (Halifax West, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, given the events of 2007 at Chalk River, any event of concern should have been a top concern and a top priority for the minister. It is clear from the report tabled today that there was a radioactive leak in early December. It is also clear that the minister did absolutely nothing to get the details until a week ago. If she takes nuclear safety and the supply of medical isotopes seriously, why did it take her seven weeks and a media story to ask for a report?

Hon. Lisa Raitt (Minister of Natural Resources, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated before, I was made aware at the time of the incident and unplanned closure at Chalk River on December 6. I was given an assurance by the CNSC and by the AECL, which has been proven to be true, that there was no health and safety risk to Canadians because of the incident at Chalk River. It is very important to remember that the facts are important for the Canadian public. We have tabled the facts here today. The truth is there. I invite Canadians to read it and not listen to the constant fearmongering from the other side of the House.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• 2009020514401445
• E