Bill C-38 (Historical)

An Act to permit the resumption and continuation of the operation of the National Research Universal Reactor at Chalk River

This enactment permits Atomic Energy of Canada Limited to resume and continue the operation of the National Research Universal Reactor at Chalk River in Ontario for a period of 120 days despite certain conditions of its licence under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

An Act to permit the resumption and continuation of the operation of the National Research Universal Reactor at Chalk River

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Chair, my colleague is absolutely correct. This is a safety issue and most importantly a safety issue, but it is a needs issue for those people who need this product.

I would like to lead my questioning toward Ms. Keen.

In your opening comments you described yourself as an expert in nuclear safety. As I have said, we are talking about safety. You also stated in your opening comments that yours is a non-partisan position. I would like to follow up a little bit on that.

Your appointment to the CNSC was in the year 2000, I understand, is that correct?

[Linda J. Keen]

That is correct.

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Macleod, AB]

And you were a career public servant before that time? Is that correct?

[Linda J. Keen]

I did work both in industry, and with the federal and provincial governments, yes.

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Macleod, AB]

Until your appointment at CNSC my understanding is that you were assistant deputy minister at the Department of Natural Resources when the now opposition House leader was the minister of natural resources. Is that correct?

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Order, order. The hon. member asked a question. Order, please. Ms. Keen has the floor.

[Linda J. Keen]

Yes, I would like to answer this question by saying that I am an Albertan. I was born in Alberta. I never belonged to any political party in my life.

I joined the public service in fact when there was another government in power. I am saying that I am non-partisan. I serve with good behaviour. I have met every requirement of the Ethics Commissioner and I do my work on a non-partisan basis and I have no political affiliation.

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Macleod, AB]

The question I asked was, were you the deputy minister at the Department of Natural Resources when the minister of natural resources, the now opposition House leader, was the minister.

[Linda J. Keen]

Yes and I was appointed by the Public Service Commission.

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Macleod, AB]

Thank you.

The opposition House leader in fact recommended your appointment. Is that my understanding?

[Linda J. Keen]

I have no idea. I was interviewed by PMO. What they did was they went out and searched for people. I applied, I was interviewed, and I was given the appointment. I have no idea about the recommendation. I applied for the job.

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Macleod, AB]

Before you worked at natural resources were you also at the Department of Agriculture when the opposition House leader was minister of agriculture?

[Linda J. Keen]

I will have to recall because--

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Chair, on a point of order. This line of questioning is essentially insinuating that political considerations are affecting the professional judgment of a public servant.

We are here, Mr. Chair, to adjudicate a dispute that AECL quite properly said was a difference of professional opinion.

This commissioner is entitled to the respect of the House and she is not receiving it.