The owner of a medical manufacturing company in Ottawa, which is currently not meeting the requirements of its nuclear license, has stated that he lacks the funds to adhere to Canada’s nuclear regulatory standards. Best Theratronics, a manufacturer specializing in cancer treatment devices using Cobalt-60 radioactive isotopes, received two orders from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in November 2024. These orders were issued amidst a labor dispute with striking workers and included mandates related to safety concerns at the plant and the necessity to secure a $1.8 million financial guarantee for potential decommissioning costs.
Despite nearly a year passing since the orders were issued, the owner, Krishnan Suthanthiran, has expressed financial constraints and an inability to secure a loan to fulfill the CNSC requirements. Suthanthiran emphasized the high cost of maintaining a valid license and threatened to relocate operations to India or the United States due to financial burdens. He contested the imposed financial guarantee as excessively burdensome, alleging that the CNSC was not abiding by its own regulations.
The CNSC has confirmed that Best Theratronics is still non-compliant with its nuclear license, but has not disclosed the specific actions it plans to take for enforcement. The regulatory body has the authority to issue fines, orders, revoke licenses, and initiate legal proceedings against licensees who fail to meet regulations. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May criticized Suthanthiran, accusing him of undermining the CNSC and suggesting that the commission has been too lenient with the industry it oversees.
Formerly a division of the Crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada, Best Theratronics has a history dating back to the 1950s when it developed the world’s first cobalt-based cancer therapy systems. Following subsequent ownership changes, Suthanthiran acquired the company in 2008. He has now indicated plans to cease nuclear-licensed manufacturing in Canada, citing challenges in hiring skilled workers after a significant employee exodus during the strike period, which led to accusations of poor labor practices. The company currently faces difficulty in recruiting qualified personnel, particularly machinists, despite efforts to maintain operations in Kanata without a nuclear license. Suthanthiran expressed frustration with the business environment in Canada, highlighting his struggles in finding skilled workforce.
