NEWS RELEASES
April 25, 2006 (3:40 p.m. EDT)
No. 42
CANADA ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR CHERNOBYL SHELTER
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today announced an $8-million additional
contribution to the shelter at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine. The
announcement was made on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear
accident.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to reiterate our commitment to the people of
Ukraine and neighbouring countries on the anniversary of this great tragedy, and in
particular to the families affected by the Chernobyl accident throughout the region,” said
Minister MacKay.
“Canada will continue to support Ukraine as it copes with the effects of the world’s worst
nuclear accident,” the Minister added. “The funding announced today will help complete
the concrete shelter covering the damaged reactor. Our contribution will have a very
positive impact on the environment by reducing the amount of radiation levels in the
region.”
This contribution is part of Canada’s commitment to the Global Partnership against the
Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, launched by the G8 in 2002
under Canada’s leadership. The Global Partnership addresses a number of
non-proliferation, disarmament, counterterrorism and nuclear safety issues, particularly
in Russia, Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union.
This new funding brings Canada’s total contribution to Chernobyl-related projects to
$66.2 million.
For more information on the Global Partnership Program visit
http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
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