Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We are meeting here today because there is a shortage and the situation is urgent. Government inaction this summer has resulted in the deterioration of patient health. Physicians and nuclear medicine specialists have characterized the situation as catastrophic. According to Dr. François Lamoureux, president of the Association des médecins spécialistes en médecine nucléaire du Québec, the government is overwhelmed.
Mr. Ivanco, you told us you were proud of the support that our government is providing to the nuclear industry. It seems to me that government support, whether it's from the current government or the previous government, has declined over the years. You're telling us that Canada is a world leader, but the Prime Minister tells us that he wants to abandon isotope production. How do you think we can maintain our position?
You say you're a nuclear specialist. A number of witnesses have told this committee about restarting the MAPLE reactors. Some say they are in favour of that option and others not. What is your opinion on the issue? Is it possible to restart them? Have the MAPLEs produced isotopes? Do you think this is a solution for the future?