Canada's bid was presented in Moscow by Canada's Ambassador to Russia, Rod Irwin to delegations from Russia, Japan, and the European Union. Representatives from the United States were also present. The US dropped out of the ITER collaboration in 1998, but hope was expressed by the other Parties that the US might rejoin as the project proceeds into construction. Canada has been participating in the project as part of the team headed by the European Union.

Ambassador Irwin said: "It is with the greatest pleasure that I now, on behalf of the Government of Canada, hereby formally announce Canada's offer of our Clarington site, located just east of Toronto on the northern shore of Lake Ontario as the location for the implementation of Iter in Canada."

A press release issued by Iter Canada, the organization leading Canada's effort to host the Iter project,noted "The goal of this centre is to develop fusion energy as a safe, clean and sustainable energy source for our planet. The Iter project will be the second largest research and development project in the world after the International Space Station."

In addition to Canada, it is expected that the European Union and Japan will also offer sites.

Dr. Peter Barnard, Chairman and CEO Iter Canada, said "With the support of the Government of Canada, the endorsement we have received from the Government of Ontario, and the continuing commitment of our private sector, labour, university and local community members, we believe Iter Canada is in a very strong position to win this project for our country. As host of the Iter project, Canada will become a world centre of excellence for research and development in the high tech energy field. Iter will be the largest "brain gain" in Canadian project history "

"The Ontario Government supports and fully endorses the Canadian effort to have Ontario host the international Iter fusion energy project," said Jim Wilson, Ontario's Minister of Energy, Science and Technology. "The Ontario Government is confident that Canada can win this bid, and has indicated a willingness to commit $10 million per year for 30 years." If Canada's bid succeeds, this research and development project would bring to Ontario 250 of the brightest minds in nuclear energy science, help diversify Ontario's high-tech industry and inject billions of dollars into the provincial economy."

The local community is also very supportive. "The Council of Clarington has been involved in this project since 1995 and we are now very excited about the prospect of locating such a large-scale, fusion energy development project in our community," said Clarington Mayor John Mutton.

Beyond Clarington itself, support for the project is very strong. "As a resident of the region surrounding Clarington, I am excited about the prospect of hosting the Iter project in our community, said Gary Polonsky, President of Durham College and Chairman of the Iter Community Council, a grass-roots organization representing the interests of all communities around the site. "The potential impact and benefits are tremendous, and it is critical we participate in the process of bringing this project to our region." The Durham College campus will house the Ontario Institute of Technology, a proposed new university that will serve the area and offer a degree program in nuclear technology and safety.

With the presentation of Iter Canada's Plan in Moscow, Canadian participants will begin negotiations with the other Iter Party delegations. These negotiations are scheduled to be completed next year with the finalization of an international treaty for building the project and funding the 20-year research and development program.

The Iter Canada press release noted, "A US report prepared by a National Energy Policy Development (NEPD) Group chaired by Vice President Dick Cheney, said: "The NEPD Group recommends that the President direct the Secretary of Energy to develop next generation technology - including hydrogen and fusion." Iter Canada chairman Peter Barnard said one of his priority objectives is to convince the US government to rejoin the project.

Iter Canada is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1997 with members from industry, governments, labour, and universities. It is committed to locating the world's Iter Fusion Research and Development Centre in Canada.

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