Natural Resources committee  You seem to suggest uncharacteristically, Mr. Chairman.

Natural Resources committee  I will be brief. Yes, there are a couple of things. Within NRCan's main estimates, moneys are allocated for what is called the legacy waste liability program, which is trying to address at Chalk River, in particular, waste that has been accumulating basically since World War II, so that it be managed and stored responsibly.

Natural Resources committee  I think that's right. In this context, the challenge for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is to try to provide the best guidance it can. They can't just say it's too complicated. They can't tell you when they're going to come back on. They obviously have to work on a critical path and try to discipline themselves to stick to a critical path.

Natural Resources committee  Mr. Chair, up to now, the costs that have been incurred and the costs that will be incurred up to the end of this fiscal year amount to $72 million. While the work is being done, we will have to review, together with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, the costs that will be incurred during the coming fiscal year.

Natural Resources committee  We hope to restart the reactor. Yesterday Atomic Energy of Canada mentioned that, based on what was announced last week, service was set to resume at the end of May. Experts met early this week. One of the necessary repairs, that had proven extremely difficult, was also completed.

Natural Resources committee  I would like to make a clarification with regard to TRIUMF. This is the most cutting-edge and advanced nuclear physics lab in Canada. This funding will allow TRIUMF to continue to operate as it has done in recent years. At present, TRIUMF does not produce technetium 99, which is the isotope we are talking about and which is in short supply.

Natural Resources committee  It could eventually be to produce a substitute if TRIUMF, along with private sector partners, develops alternative means by which to produce technetium. This could either supplement current production or eventually replace it, but we're still at a relatively preliminary stage.

Natural Resources committee  I want to clarify that there has not been a full response to the blue ribbon report that was given to the Minister of Natural Resources in December. However, the budget has identified various solutions. It allocates $35 million over two years to develop alternative sources of isotopes.

Natural Resources committee  Sir, there is no specific allocation at this time. There's an allocation in the budget for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited that comprises funds that will be required to provide for the supply of medical isotopes. But of course at this time, with the project continuing, and, as you know, continuing into 2010-11, precise estimates for the cost of the return to service are not available at this time.

Natural Resources committee  We would certainly have to study it, but first, updated legislation would be required. That would be an important first step. You're absolutely right. It is something that merits in-depth analysis on our part.

Natural Resources committee  The bill simply clarifies the liability of operators. It does not affect, fundamentally, the responsibilities of suppliers, and there is indeed no direct linkage between a restructuring of Atomic Energy of Canada and this bill.

Natural Resources committee  The other refurbishment projects are in Wolsong, South Korea; Gentilly, Quebec; and Bruce, Ontario.

Natural Resources committee  What I can answer is that in most countries, liability is limited. Some countries, such as Switzerland and Germany, have established unlimited liability. However, we would have to see how this unlimited liability would apply in the case of an accident, because that would basically mean that operators would see all of their capital depleted.

Natural Resources committee  Indeed, and certainly with regard to the United States, because of the proximity of the border, there could be cause for an agreement, and I think that issue has already been raised. A first step would be to have a law concerning liability, like the one before us today, which would allow us to raise our standards to bring them more in line with the American system and thereby facilitate the signing of such agreements.

Natural Resources committee  I think the minister indicated that there would be flexibility in the legislative construct to address special requirements for nuclear installations different from those prevalent in the Canadian industry today.