Mr. Speaker, as the former chairman of the Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Commission, I have a strong and keen interest in the generation of electricity in the province of Ontario. I have a particular interest in the use of nuclear power and the generation of that electricity.
Ongoing concerns have been expressed in relation to the use of nuclear power in Ontario. The safety of the system has been repeatedly questioned. I am not here to debate whether or not to use nuclear power. Rather, I think it is important to ensure that residents of Ontario have faith and confidence in Ontario Hydro. This includes the use of nuclear power.
Accordingly, I was dismayed recently when the Atomic Energy Control Board was reported to have said that Ontario Hydro's failure to show detailed plans on how it will improve slipping nuclear safety was “entirely unacceptable”. It would appear that there are ongoing concerns on the part of the Atomic Energy Control Board regarding missed promises and commitments by Ontario Hydro in this regard. This is unacceptable to residents of Ontario.
In any event, people in Ontario need to know and be reassured that everything is being done to ensure a safe and secure system in the generation of electrical power in Ontario. I would ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources to give that assurance today to both this House and to the people of Ontario.