Joint Statement
The Restructuring of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL)

• Please click here to view the initial letter sent to Minister Paradis on May 20th, 2010.

Recognizing that we share common goals in support of a robust Canadian nuclear industry, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) and the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA) have come together to endorse the following principles:

1. Canada has world-renowned expertise in nuclear technology. Canadianpioneered
   technologies are used worldwide as are our nuclear reactor designs.
   Professional engineers have played an important role in these successes. As
   drivers of innovation, they, along with Canada’s skilled nuclear workforce, will
   continue to advance nuclear science and technology with strong support from the
   federal government, as provided by all countries with a nuclear power program.
   
   
2. Internationally, demand for nuclear power is growing. As one of the largest
   nuclear producers in the world and pioneer in nuclear technology, Canada has
   much to gain from this renaissance if it can respond quickly to market demand.
   A healthy Canadian nuclear industry will foster high-value employment in
   engineering and knowledge-based manufacturing while bolstering Canada’s
   reputation as a centre for technological advancement. Moreover, it strengthens
   Canada’s trade relations and underpins our environmental commitments to the
   world’s fastest growing economies.
   
   
3. The restructuring of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is an important
   step in recapitalizing and redirecting our industry to compete on the world stage.
   However, restructuring must be undertaken in such a way that safeguards
   important intellectual property and high-value nuclear jobs. The “splintering” of
   the industry, which could inadvertently result from AECL’s restructuring, might
   undercut our ability to engage in world-class research and development.
   
4. A second important step is to demonstrate Canada’s nuclear capabilities at
   the front end of the renaissance to consolidate our leadership position. Ontario in
   particular must replace its older generating capacity and it makes sense for
   nuclear to be used to provide carbon-free, dependable and low-cost base load
   power. Given this, we call on the provincial and federal governments to work
   together expeditiously to bring about the demonstration of Canadian nuclear
   technology through the construction of new nuclear generation capacity.
   
   
5. We urge the federal government to immediately initiate a comprehensive study
   to identify the benefits of replacing the NRU with another multi-purpose reactor to
   continue Canada’s leading work in neutron research, isotope development and
   nuclear engineering.