March 31, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
Canada places the highest priority on health, safety and environmental protection in all aspects of the nuclear industry. Indeed, workers in Canada's nuclear industry have always been dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of Canadians and the environment.
This dedication is exemplified by the actions of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) employees who bravely responded to nuclear incidents at Chalk River Laboratories in both 1952 and 1958.
In the 1950s, Ontario's Chalk River Laboratories was one of the leading global sites for cutting-edge atomic science of the time. In 1952 and 1958, there were incidents that required AECL and Department of National Defence personnel to contain and clean contaminated sites. Approximately 1,500 civilians participated in the cleanup of both incidents.
The lessons learned from these events helped AECL science and technology workers to develop even safer and cleaner nuclear technologies, culminating in the highly successful CANDU reactors that have provided safe, reliable power in countries all around the world for decades.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced $22.3 million over two years for the Atomic Workers Recognition Program (AWRP) to provide one-time ex gratia payments of $28,500 each to the former AECL employees who volunteered to contain and clean up contaminated reactors following incidents at Chalk River Laboratories in 1952 and 1958.
Through the AWRP, the government is honouring the exceptional service of those former AECL employees who responded so bravely in a time of crisis. Each of these workers performed under exceptional circumstances and deserves the respect, admiration and gratitude of all Canadians.
