Canadian Nuclear Association Congratulates the Government of Canada on the Signing of a Canada-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Protocol

OTTAWA (July 19, 2012) – Canada’s nuclear industry congratulates Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and the Government of Canada on the signing of a supplementary protocol to the long-standing Canada-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. This supplementary protocol will allow Canadian uranium companies to increase their exports to China.

“This is good news for Canada’s nuclear industry,” said Denise Carpenter, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association. “Canada produces 18% of all global uranium, making us the second largest producer in the world. Our uranium industry directly employs about 5,000 people across Canada and is the leading employer of Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan.”

The signing of the supplementary protocol means new jobs and new investments in Canada, and greater security of nuclear fuel supply for China. The agreement will allow increased uranium exports to meet China’s growing nuclear energy industry while continuing to uphold Canada’s long-standing commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

“This agreement between Canada and China will generate even more jobs and revenue in Canada, and contribute to the use of clean, low-carbon energy in China, which is the world’s largest energy consumer,” added Ms. Carpenter.

The Canadian nuclear industry is supportive of the federal government’s efforts to promote trade-creating opportunities for the uranium mining industry and Canadian nuclear technologies in growing markets such as China.

Canada’s nuclear industry generates approximately $6.6 billion per year, contributing $1.5 billion in tax revenue and $1.2 billion in export revenues. The industry also supports over 70,000 direct and indirect jobs.

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For more information:

John Stewart
Director of Policy and Research
613-237-4262 ext. 103