Statement by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health

Statement

The Government of Canada has been working to solve the critical shortage of
medical isotopes caused by an extended shutdown at the Atomic Energy of Canada
Ltd. (AECL) research
reactor in Chalk River. This shutdown has caused the delay or cancellation of
certain medical procedures in Canada and abroad.
We understand and are concerned about the stress and worry that this
situation is causing to patients and their loved ones.
The Government has been in constant contact with AECL and the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to ensure that they
work together to find a solution to this critical shortage. Resuming this
production is an immediate priority for the Government of Canada and we are
exploring all options at our disposal that would lead to such a resolution.
We have been working with our officials as well as national and international
partners to identify alternative sources of supply in other countries; other
isotopes that can be re-applied; and other diagnostic options which may be
available.
We can report actions in the following areas:
Health Canada has initiated a data collection process which includes
contacting 800 hospitals and clinics which will allow all of us to determine
next steps that may be necessary to address the situation.
Government has asked both Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and the CNSC to
continue to work together to develop a go-forward strategy such that AECL
National Research Universal reactor can be safely restarted as quickly as
possible.
Government has confirmed that the parts and equipment required to complete
the upgrade maintenance on the Chalk River facility has been expedited.
This is a situation that affects all Canadians and we are committed to
working with our partners to bring it to a speedy resolution.
Attached are letters from Ministers Lunn and Clement to CNSC and AECL to this
effect.
Letter
to AECL (PDF)Letter
to CNSC (PDF)
Information:
Louise Girouard Director of Communications Natural Resources
Canada613-996-2007
Rita SmithDirector of CommunicationsHealth
Canada613-957-0200

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Government of Canada Nature and Environment

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2016-12-15

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Statement by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health

Statement

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