Editorial - 14-9

Canada has an opportunity to correct a serious misstep and get back in the game of fusion research. The not-for-profit ITER Canada is mounting an impressive campaign to convince the international fusion research community that this country would be the ideal locale for the proposed $6 billion Fusion Research and Development Centre (see page 5).

If the Canadian bids succeeds, it would provide a tremendous shot in the arm to domestic fusion researchers who were badly hurt during the ill-advised S&T cutbacks associated with the federal Program Review. The stakes are high, but so are the potential benefits, in terms of economic spin-offs and scientific knowledge as well as the prospect of an inexhaustible supply of clean energy for future generations.

ITER Canada has just completed an economic impact study of locating the facility in Ontario and the benefits are substantial. Not only would it generate millions in tax revenues for all levels of government, it would give Canadians exposure to an area of research which has received $75 billion in support since fusion research began in the late 1940s.

The construction expertise emanating from such a project would also be significant, particularly given the groundbreaking, partial private sector financing model adopted by ITER Canada.

Then there's the international prestige associated with ITER which would go far towards helping restore Canada's credibility in the global S&T arena. Success is dependent on all relevant parties coordinating their support to make the project a reality.

Mark Henderson, Managing Editor