Backgrounder

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Chernobyl containment efforts

May 26, 2011
Deauville, France

Since the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant, the G-8 has played a leading role in addressing containment efforts at the Ukrainian site. Recognizing the 25^th anniversary of the disaster, G-8 Leaders at the 2010 Muskoka Summit agreed to take the necessary steps to complete the final stages of safety and stabilization projects in the area.

During the subsequent Kyiv Summit in April 2011 – which brought together participants from over 60 countries – the international community pledged $775 million in additional funding to support the completion of work at the plant.

Canada's newest commitment of $30 million over up to four years – announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on May 26, 2011 – brings its total contribution to the work at Chernobyl to approximately $105 million.

Work at the plant – which involves building a new permanent confinement structure, replacing the damaged sarcophagus which encloses the reactor site as well as constructing related nuclear remediation facilities – is expected to be completed by 2015.

Canadian contributions to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Global Partnership Program. Financial resources for the containment projects are managed by EBRD's Chernobyl Shelter Fund and Nuclear Safety Account.

Since 2002, the Global Partnership Program has invested $770 million in efforts to address challenges related to the proliferation of weapons and materials of mass destruction and their potential use by terrorists. This work includes efforts to secure and safely dispose of vulnerable nuclear and radiological, chemical, and biological materials.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM announces further support to help address aftermath of 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident

May 26, 2011
Deauville, France

In recognition of the 25^th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada will support international efforts to complete safety and stabilization work at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. This delivers on important commitments made by G-8 Leaders at the 2010 Muskoka Summit and will help permanently confine the damaged reactor site.

"Our Government remains committed to helping the people of Ukraine deal with the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear accident," said the Prime Minister. "It is fitting, on the 25^th anniversary of this tragedy, to join the international community in closing this sad chapter once and for all."

Canada's contribution to containment efforts in Chernobyl continues to help the Ukrainian and neighbouring peoples deal with the devastating consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl accident.

Canada's contribution will be made through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which manages two international funds to address remediation challenges.

Canada's contribution will be drawn from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Global Partnership Program – a program that has helped address global challenges related to weapons and materials of mass destruction, including efforts to secure and safely dispose of vulnerable nuclear and radiological, chemical, and biological materials.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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