The Future of AECL – Pending an Official Announcement

June 29, 2011

The federal government announced its plan to restructure AECL back in 2007. It must be close to fruition since this week the news of the impending sale of AECL’s CANDU division has all but taken over the headlines.

We at the CNA have consistently stated our support for a structure that will advance the nuclear energy industry in Canada and make it more competitive. We’re waiting with baited breath for the details and will update you when they’re revealed.

Here is a snapshot of the headlines. Keep in mind that nothing official has been announced so everything is speculation.

Privatization of AECL will mean higher costs for ratepayers: critics
iPolitics.ca June 28, 2011 (carried in the Toronto Star and elsewhere)

TORONTO – The proposed sale of Crown-owned Atomic Energy of Canada to a Montreal-based engineering firm will lead to higher costs for ratepayers in Ontario, critics warned Tuesday…

Impending AECL sale puts Ontario, Ottawa on collision course
Globe and Mail, June 28, 2011

Ontario is on a collision course with Ottawa over the Harper government’s impending deal to sell off Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., and get out of the business of subsidizing nuclear reactor sales…

Dwight Duncan on Ottawa’s AECL deal: ‘What are they going to do for Ontario?’
Globe and Mail, June 28, 2011

Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan signalled Tuesday that the province is heading for a showdown with Ottawa over the fate of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd…

AECL sale shouldn’t affect Lepreau: Leonard
CBC, June 29, 2011

The sale of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. to SNC-Lavalin should not affect the troubled refurbishment project at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, Energy Minister Craig Leonard said Tuesday…

New Democrats call for audit of AECL selloff
Northumberland View, June 28, 2011

OTTAWA – New Democrats have taken their concerns about the sell-off of Canada’s nuclear crown corporation to a higher power—asking the Auditor General to perform a value-for-money audit before any deal is completed…

Opposition wary of AECL sale
Leader-Post, June 29, 2011

Opposition politicians demanded the government negotiate a fair price for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Tuesday, as rumours swirled that the Crown corporation soon will be sold to Montreal-based engineering giant SNC-Lavalin…

Feds on verge of selling AECL: Reports
Sudbury Star, June 29, 2011

OTTAWA — The federal government is on the verge of selling Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. to Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin, according to media reports…

Lavalin nears deal for CANDU maker
Montreal Gazette, June 29, 2011

Opposition politicians demanded the government negotiate a fair price for Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. Tuesday, as rumours swirled that the crown corporation soon will be sold to engineering giant SNC-Lavalin…

 

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