Why did it take from August 2006, when the licence was renewed, to November 2007 for the failure to complete the seventh upgrade to become noticed by CNSC?
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
An Act to permit the resumption and continuation of the operation of the National Research Universal Reactor at Chalk River December 11th, 2007
Why did it take from August 2006, when the licence was renewed, to November 2007 for the failure to complete the seventh upgrade to become noticed by CNSC?
An Act to permit the resumption and continuation of the operation of the National Research Universal Reactor at Chalk River December 11th, 2007
Mr. Chair, this side of the House is very aware that we are faced with a serious issue both of nuclear safety and public health. We are here, it seems to me, to focus on one question above all. Is the legislation, Bill C-38, proposed by the government necessary to resolve this crisis or is there any other way that we can go?
This side of the House remains anxious to resolve this crisis as expeditiously as possible, but we need to consult with experts like yourself to assess the nuclear safety risk and the public health risk, which we will investigate with other witnesses.
The letter of December 10 to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Health indicates that the CNSC had “serious concerns” regarding the safety of the 50 year old NRU reactor when its former licence was due to expire. What specifically were the safety issues and, perhaps, safety upgrades that it was felt were mandatory as a condition of renewal of licence?
Chalk River Nuclear Facilities December 11th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, since when is the Prime Minister of Canada an expert on nuclear safety?
The Chalk River nuclear reactor ceased operations on November 18. However, it was only last Friday, after 18 days had passed, that the Minister of Health began to assess the situation.
Why did they neglect to take action for one month, during which time the health of Canadians was at risk? Why is the health of Canadians still at risk?
Chalk River Nuclear Facilities December 11th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, attacking the regulator, taking him out of the process, is going to make the problem worse.
In a speech in June 2006 at Chalk River, the Minister of Natural Resources said “we're getting our house in order”. The house is not in order. AECL is a crown corporation. Its board is named by the government. The government should have known it was violating the terms of its licence.
Why did the minister sit here for 18 months doing nothing?
Chalk River Nuclear Facilities December 11th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the government has broken its embargo on the legislation to deal with the mess it has made of the isotopes crisis. Therefore, let me ask the Prime Minister about the legislation.
Why does the nuclear regulator have no role in assessing whether the Chalk River reactor is safe during the 120 day period? Why does the government believe AECL, which was in flagrant violation of its licence, is competent to decide whether the reactor is safe to operate?
The Environment December 10th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, in Bali criticism of Canada is mounting. The leader of the German delegation has indicated that the Conservative position is not constructive. The Chinese representatives consider Canada one of the least cooperative countries.
Will the Prime Minister finally admit that he is trying to sabotage an international climate change agreement? When will he rally the nations around an agreement rather than sabotaging it?
The Environment December 10th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the Ontario and Quebec governments have both said that the Conservatives are failing Canada at Bali. Premier McGuinty of Ontario says the Conservative government, “has continued to work on an intensity-based approach that will see Canada's emissions increase, not decrease”.
These are not the words of a small man, but a very big man who is looking to the federal government for leadership and not finding it.
Will the Prime Minister admit that his real strategy at Bali is to subvert, to prevent an international agreement on climate change?
Government Policies December 10th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, it is International Human Rights Day and the 50th anniversary of Mike Pearson's peace prize. Where is Canada? Canada is walking away from the global campaign to abolish the death penalty, voting against the international convention on the rights of aboriginal people, staying silent as the UN begs member states to save its mission in Darfur and, finally, fighting against climate change agreements in Bali.
Could the Prime Minister explain the pattern here? Why are we abdicating leadership Canada built up over 50 years?
Health December 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, this government has been in power for two years. It must start taking responsibility. Canada's nuclear safety officials are now saying that the problems in Chalk River are more serious than was thought.
Does the minister know when the problems will be resolved and when we can get isotopes from Chalk River?
This situation is endangering the lives of millions of Canadians. What is his department doing to put an end to this medical crisis?
Health December 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, arm's length is no excuse here. The Chalk River reactor shut down on November 18. That is 18 days ago. Shortages of isotopes began to show up almost immediately.
When was the minister advised of the problem? Why did it take until December 6, 18 days later, to announce a plan of action?