Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Dr. Coulombe, we were engaging in an interesting conversation, before we were called to order, involving energy and what was happening in Canada just prior to what happened in Chicago in 1939 or, I think, 1942. You talked about fission, and we had just about obtained it. I'm interested, too, in that; I'm interested in our research into it. We didn't get a chance, and I was just going to engage you in that conversation.
I read just recently that there is an element about two below uranium that's used, barium. Is that something it is possible to use for atomic energy or for those purposes? I'm wondering whether there's research being done on this. Apparently the byproducts of this element can be used for nuclear weaponry, and as well, the discharge of the properties is not as tough as in the case of uranium.
Can you comment? Are we moving in that direction? Are we still working in those areas where we used to be such a leader?