Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon, Mr. Paradis, Mr. Dupont.
I would like to talk about Atomic Energy Canada Limited. There is something I find surprising in the initial votes. For 2010-2011, there was $102 million. We see that with supplementary estimates (A), (B) and (C), we get a total of $872 million for AECL. I am wondering why you are so far from the valuation.
Votes in the last four years were divided as follows: in 2007-2008, $212 million; in 2009-2010, $841 million. How can it be so far off? I think that may have a negative effect on the private sector that could want to buy it. It gives the impression that AECL is a bottomless pit. That is the impression we have too.
Also, I'm concerned about isotope production. As you know, this committee has given considerable attention to all the problems at the Chalk River reactor. I am wondering what is going to happen if it fails. The licence extension has been approved until 2016, but what will happen after that?
You have invested in other forms of isotope production with the cyclotrons, but these aren't projects that have reached maturity.
I have concerns about AECL and what will be left once you have finished the restructuring. You said you were keeping the isotope production, but doctors everywhere want some reassurance.