CNSC response to the article entitled “Gentilly-2 : Hydro suspend des contrats“ published in Le Nouvelliste on August 6, 2010

CANDU reactors are safe

To the Editor-in-chief:

Your article “Gentilly-2 : Hydro suspend des contrats” [Gentilly-2:  Hydro suspends contracts – TRANSLATOR] continues to provide a platform for the dissemination of misinformation concerning the safety of Canadian nuclear reactors. Mr. Duguay, whose statements are reported as those of a nuclear safety expert, is simply wrong. CANDU reactors – which are used in all of Canada’s nuclear power plants, including Gentilly-2 - have been operated safely for over 30 years. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) would never issue a licence to a facility if its operational safety were in doubt.

The report on the 16 technical aspects referred to by Mr. Duguay was prepared as part of a study designed to confirm or refine the margins of safety of CANDU reactors. The study is part of an ongoing improvement process and demonstrates the prudence of nuclear energy experts and their determination to continue working to confirm and pursue knowledge in the nuclear field.

It is disappointing to observe the fear fuelled by the misinformation disseminated by Mr. Duguay through the media. The comparison between the tragic incident in Chernobyl and the Gentilly-2 nuclear power plant is outrageous and needlessly alarming. The differences in the design and operation of the two reactors make such comparisons irresponsible.

The CNSC regulates the nuclear sector to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment, relying on a team of highly qualified professionals and working hard to carry out its mandate. In the future, please contact us or visit our Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca for information in support of your articles.

Michael Binder
President
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission