By Cecilia Nasmith

A milestone in a multi-million-dollar contract between Cameco and Bruce Power was celebrated Friday in Cameco's Cobourg plant.

Cameco president and chief executive officer Tim Gitzel introduced dignitaries from across the country were present for the occasion

“I want to say how proud we are to be a supplier and partner with Bruce Power, how grateful we are for the opportunity of working with Bruce Power on many important projects. We never take that relationship for granted,” Gitzel said.

The $62-million contract announced in 2017 included producing 480 calandria tubes required for Bruce Power's equipment-replacement needs at Unit 6 between 2020 and 2033. This equipment will help ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy (not to mention the production of life-saving medical isotopes) through 2064.

Gitzel noted the order was completed within budget, ahead of schedule and without one reported injury. The tubes are already being shipped to Bruce Power to ensure they arrive well in advance of when they will be needed.

Gitzel congratulated the plant's employees who had done the actual work, telling them, “You are the face of Cameco.”

The Cobourg location has some 135 employees, who will continue to produce calandria tubes through 2028.

Throughout its locations, including Port Hope and Blind River, the employment picture is strong and stable, and Gitzel advanced the prediction that some of the company's future employees haven't even been born yet.

“I think Ontario serves as a model for the world in nuclear power and how to run it and how it powers this province, and the future looks super-bright.”

“I wanted to say formally how much I appreciate the high-quality parts you make for us,” Bruce Power chief executive officer Mike Rencheck told the workers.

Much of what the nuclear industry does goes unnoticed Rencheck said, and he shared a few examples in the medical field.

Cobalt 60, for example, sterilizes fully 40% of the world's single-use medical equipment. They manufacture this under the most stringent specifications to save lives every day.

“We are looking at advancing our isotope platform,” he added.

“We have moved into brain-tumour treatment and are looking into advancing into prostate-cancer treatment. With the work we are doing with the Canadian Isotope Council, we will be able to move into treatment and therapeutics, using radioactive isotopes.”

They are also proud to deliver power to Ontario that is carbon-free and emissions-free.

Nuclear power is the backbone of the province's electricity system, Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini said, providing 44% of its power.

“It's clean and it's reliable, and a competitively priced source of electricity for Ontario families and businesses alike.”

In addition to expressing appreciation for the work done by Cameco, he noted the company's generous support of arts and sports groups, as well as organizations like the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre.

“This relationship helps keep our community great. Because of this partnership, our community will be an even better place going forward into the years to come.”