Canada-Russia Agreement on Nuclear Energy

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Russian Prime Minister Viktor Stepanovich Chernomyrdin today witnessed the signing of a Canada-Russia memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

"The signing of this agreement is indeed significant, given the importance of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in both Canada and Russia," said Mr. Chrétien. "Cooperation in this critical field is essential for ensuring the safe and secure use of nuclear power and for improving the safety culture within our nuclear industries."

The MOU will encourage further bilateral cooperation in the scientific, engineering and industrial aspects of nuclear energy. It will stimulate cooperation between Russian and Canadian enterprises to ensure that the economical and safe use of nuclear energy continues to make a significant contribution to our economic well-being. The agreement will also allow for the further development of nuclear energy with an emphasis on ecological, economic and nuclear non-proliferation aspects.

Specific areas of activity under the MOU include safety improvements of channel-type nuclear power station by introducing Canadian technology and expertise; cooperative studies in the field of radioactive waste management and decommissioning; and information sharing on public acceptance and attitudes towards nuclear energy.

The MOU was signed in Moscow by Canadian Ambassador Jeremy Kinsman and Minister of Atomic Energy Viktor Nikitovich Mikailov.

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