26 May 2011
Deauville, France
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada will support international efforts to complete safety and stabilization work at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. This delivers on important commitments made by G-8 Leaders at the 2010 Muskoka Summit and will help permanently confine the damaged reactor site.
"Our Government remains committed to helping the people of Ukraine deal with the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear accident," said the Prime Minister. "It is fitting, on the 25th anniversary of this tragedy, to join the international community in closing this sad chapter once and for all."
Canada's contribution to containment efforts in Chernobyl continues to help the Ukrainian and neighbouring peoples deal with the devastating consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl accident.
Canada's contribution will be made through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which manages two international funds to address remediation challenges.
Canada's contribution will be drawn from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Global Partnership Program – a program that has helped address global challenges related to weapons and materials of mass destruction, including efforts to secure and safely dispose of vulnerable nuclear and radiological, chemical, and biological materials.
All News
