Government Emergency Legislation Swiftly Ends Medical Isotope Crisis, Canada

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 14 Dec 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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Cancer and cardiovascular patients across Canada and around the world received very good news as the Government's Bill C-38 was approved by the Senate and then received Royal Assent by the Governor General.

This Bill, introduced Tuesday by Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn and Health Minister Tony Clement and approved by the House of Commons, legislates the safe re-opening of the Chalk River nuclear plant. The Chalk River facility, which belongs to Atomic Energy Canada Limited, supplies more than half of the medical radioactive isotopes used around the globe in testing and treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The unexpected extension of the shutdown of the Chalk River plant caused concern amongst medical professionals and patients who required this medical substance.

"Passage of this Bill into law is wonderful news for patients, their families and loved ones," said Health Minister Tony Clement. "Chalk River will be back up and running, producing medical isotopes, in seven to eight days instead of seven to eight weeks."

"The government responded to this situation with action that balanced safety issues at the Chalk River plant with the urgent need to resume the production of medical isotopes." said the Minister of Natural Resources, Gary Lunn. "With the swift adoption of Bill C-38, we have taken decisive and balanced action to protect the health and safety of Canadians."

Health Canada