NEWS RELEASES

September 21, 2005 (4:30 p.m. EDT)
No. 168

CANADA’S NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION CREDENTIALS RECONFIRMED BY IAEA

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Natural Resources Minister R. John Efford today welcomed the recent announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that all nuclear material in Canada is used in peaceful applications. The IAEA drew this conclusion based on its findings that there has been no diversion of any declared nuclear material, and that there are no undeclared nuclear materials or activities in Canada.

“The IAEA announcement underlines that Canada is prepared to express its support for international nuclear non-proliferation efforts through demonstrated action,” said Minister Pettigrew. “I call on all states to work toward universal adherence to safeguards agreements and additional protocols as a crucial contribution to international stability and security.”

“The nuclear industry is an important contributor to Canada’s economy,” said Minister Efford. “I am proud of the leadership role taken by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Canada’s nuclear industry to successfully implement IAEA safeguards.”

The Additional Protocol to the existing Safeguards Agreement which Canada signed in September 1998 provides the IAEA with enhanced access to sites within Canada, and with increased information about Canada's nuclear and nuclear-related activities. The IAEA conclusion is the result of an extensive and cooperative effort by Foreign Affairs Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the IAEA and Canadian industry which began in September 2000 when Canada brought the Additional Protocol into force.

Safeguards agreements and the Additional Protocol are important components of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, vital for maintaining international peace and security. Canada continues to work toward preserving and strengthening the NPT and other international instruments that are aimed at halting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

For more information, please visit http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/arms/nuclear-en.asp.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007

Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-4447