Natural Resources committee  I cannot enumerate any large number of steps we have not taken because of it. But in the context of strengthening competition worldwide and the need to ensure that the Canadian industry itself is strong enough and capable of taking that on, we see this legislation as having the advantage of preparing us for that bigger competitive world.

Natural Resources committee  At this stage we are involved with other utilities following the current process, which is to go to the department and get a designation. That is effectively a very slow process, and we haven't been able to make much headway on that. We have resorted to--and I mean “resort” in a good way and not as the last step--engaging the people at NIAC, the insurance association, to see if there are ways we can move considerations of premium cost.

Natural Resources committee  If they have been run, I have not seen them. And I have not done that.

Natural Resources committee  No, but I am aware of the fact that there have been scenarios undertaken. I haven't really seen any of those. I do know that the litigation that Ms. McClenaghan speaks about, for instance, had a series of experts. I will go back and actually take a look at it, and I will probably send the judgment that was given in the case to committee members for review.

Natural Resources committee  You must be tired...[Inaudible--Editor]

Natural Resources committee  I think the concern, chiefly, is more to the point that certainty for business prospects is always the best route to take. I think that being able to count on a reasonable progression towards review and consultation is always preferred for business so that we can make appropriate arrangements to cover any changes that might be moved.

Natural Resources committee  Yes.

Natural Resources committee  I think Mr. Stensil was talking about 2004. At the preliminary stage of any legislative review, I think it's not uncommon to have to start with somebody, but obviously the difference in this situation is that we're in front of this parliamentary committee for the second time now with a piece of legislation that really has attracted the attention of a good part of the public.

Natural Resources committee  Yes.

Natural Resources committee  I can't talk about all other sorts, but when you consider that most of the energy companies in Canada are generally owned by government shareholders, a certain self-insurance goes on with a number of those. When you take a look at the various places where in fact that shareholder steps in and says, for instance, we operate the electricity systems so we will do our own insurance--

Natural Resources committee  Some people like the word “subsidy” because it attracts a lot of attention. I think it's good business sense from shareholders in the electricity business to underwrite their own obligations to be safe and secure for their populations. I see nothing wrong with that. I don't see it as a subsidy.

Natural Resources committee  I think, Madam Brunelle, we are suggesting that moving from the $75 million to the $650 million will put a lot of pressure on the ability of the existing insurance entities to provide us with that coverage, but we are looking to increase the number of places to which we can go to get the competitive rates that we think are needed to provide insurance at a reasonable price.

Natural Resources committee  Under the provisions of this legislation we have the opportunity to designate an insurer residing with the government. At the moment that insurer is an association of insurers, which is the only party we can go to in Canada. We have made presentations to NRCan—not only Bruce Power but a couple of the other generators—to see if we can find a successful way of designating other competitors in the market.

Natural Resources committee  Yes. Actually, I think moving it from $75 million, as it is now, to $650 million is seen as a very big uptake in the values against accidents. I think the industry itself works overtime to ensure that we have a safe operation, and as Ms. McClenaghan identified, we have been safe.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I work for Bruce Power, which is a privately owned nuclear operator located in Bruce County in Ontario. We operate six CANDU units, and two other units are currently under refurbishment at our site. The six units deliver approximately 24% of Ontario's electricity.