Editorial - 16-1

The federal government’s nuclear policy is a mess and requires urgent action to ensure that its research underpinnings aren’t irreversibly damaged. From the sorry, ongoing saga of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd to Ottawa’s ill-considered decision to abandon support for nuclear fusion research, it’s clear that this country’s nuclear policy is lacking a clear strategy and a coherent vision.

The latest indication of this muddled state of affairs is the Canadian Neutron Facility (CNF). We have poured millions into materials science and engineering research but don’t seem willing to provide researchers with the modern neutron source they desperately need to extend their proven track record of excellence (see page 3).

Cabinet approved the project more than one year ago but it hasn’t gotten around to providing the requisite funding. That’s partly because AECL dumped the proposal as a major priority, but it also reflects badly on the responsible minister, Ralph Goodale. Now that he’s been shuffled out of Natural Resources Canada to become Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, perhaps it’s time to consider moving the whole file to the Industry department, where it may find the legs it needs to move forward.

CNF is being pitched as a dual-purpose facility for use by both AECL and the research community. By focusing on the latter and the benefits it offers to industry, the chances of CNF receiving the necessary funding should improve. It’s up to government to make the call and support Canada’s neutron research community in an intelligent, timely manner.