A renowned medical manufacturer in Kanata is currently in the process of relinquishing its nuclear license, following a violation of the terms by Canada’s nuclear regulator over a year ago. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) confirmed on Friday that Best Theratronics is disposing of the nuclear material used for producing cancer treatment devices.
During a public meeting, Andrew McAllister, the director of CNSC’s nuclear processing facilities division, stated that Best Theratronics Limited has secured export licenses to transport its Cobalt 60 and Cesium 137 sealed sources. Originally a government agency that developed the world’s first cancer treatment machine, Best Theratronics has faced financial challenges after being acquired by overseas businessman Krishnan Suthanthiran from MDS Nordion in 2007.
Suthanthiran revealed significant financial losses since taking over the company, exacerbated by a prolonged labor dispute that lasted nearly 10 months due to demands for improved wages by workers. The CNSC issued directives against Best Theratronics in November for failing to renew its financial guarantee, instructing the company to set aside $1.8 million for potential decommissioning costs.
Despite the regulatory orders, Suthanthiran did not comply, claiming a lack of funds to meet the requirement, and expressed intentions to surrender the nuclear license and transition the company away from nuclear-related operations. When questioned about potential job losses resulting from this decision, Suthanthiran indicated that around 200 high-tech jobs could be affected due to his relocation to the USA and India, citing the substantial annual expenses associated with maintaining the nuclear license.
The CNSC mandated Best Theratronics to provide monthly progress reports on the nuclear material disposal, with the company missing the December deadline but eventually submitting the report a few days later. A company representative attributed the delay to Suthanthiran’s unavailability during that period.
The upcoming deadline for Best Theratronics is on Tuesday, requiring the submission of a preliminary decommissioning plan for its Kanata facility.
