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

In the House of Commons on December 11th, 2007. See this statement in context.

Sitting ResumedAn Act to permit the resumption and continuation of the operation of the National Research Universal Reactor at Chalk RiverGovernment Orders

December 11th, 2007 / 11:10 p.m.

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff Liberal Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON

Mr. Chair, this is a question for the regulator, Ms. Keen.

The Minister of Natural Resources some time ago gave an assurance to the House based on a legal opinion that the authority of the regulator under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act would continue to apply to Chalk River in the 120 day period, except in respect of the installation of seismically qualified motor starters on heavy water pumps.

If that opinion was added to Bill C-38 in the form of an amendment that would say, “Nothing in this act derogates from the authority of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in respect of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited”, that is, if that legal opinion offered by the minister was in the bill, would it enable the CNSC as a regulator to continue to discharge its regulatory duties in respect of the NRU at Chalk River?

See context to find out what was said next.