CNSC Announces Decisions on Renewal of Operating Licences for General Electric Canada Company’s Nuclear Fuel Facilities in Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario

05-26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2005

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decisions to renew the Operating Licences for General Electric Canada Company’s two nuclear fuel facilities located in Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario. These decisions were made following 2-day public hearings held on September 14 and December 1, 2005. The licences for both facilities will come into effect on January 1, 2006 and will be valid for a five-year period.

The Commission requests that CNSC staff present to the Commission status reports on the performance of each facility during the first half of the licence terms. The status reports will be presented at a public proceeding of the Commission.

During the public hearings, the Commission considered written submissions and oral presentations from General Electric Canada Company and CNSC staff. There were no intervenors. The Commission concluded that General Electric Canada Company is qualified to carry on the activities that the licences will authorize and that it will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security and measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed.

The Records of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision (Toronto Facility, Peterborough Facility) and transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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Contact:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
(613) 947-0247
1-800-668-5284