Natural Resources Canada: Statement by the Honourable Lisa Raitt, P.C., M.P. Minister of Natural Resources and the

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
On Monday, May 18th, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) advised the
Government of Canada that the National Research Universal Reactor (NRU)
at Chalk River would remain out of service for more than one month after
detection of a small leak of heavy water within the reactor.

"The health and safety of Canadians remains our Government's top
priority," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources,
"I have been assured by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission that the
heavy water leak poses no risk to health and safety and that AECL's
actions are in keeping with a strong safety culture."

Immediately upon being made aware of this shutdown, the Government of
Canada enacted the Isotope Early Notification Protocol, which includes
notification to the isotope user community, of an extended interruption
in the supply of medical isotopes from AECL.

"Our Government is fully engaged with Provincial and Territorial
governments, and the health care community, who are being encouraged to
take planned measures such as modifying patient scheduling and triaging
to maximize the supply of medical isotopes available," said the
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.

A secure supply of medical isotopes is not only an issue for Canada; it
is an international issue that is being addressed cooperatively by all
isotope-producing countries. At the same time, the Government of Canada
is engaging international isotope producers as well as companies such as
MDS Nordion, Lantheus, and Covidien who all play key roles in securing
medical isotope supply for North America.

Contacts:
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Jasmine MacDonnell
Director of Communications
613-996-2007

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Tim Vail
Director of Communications
613-957-0200

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