Breaking News: Mark Carney Faces His First Scandal**

Mark Carney Faces His First Scandal** OTTAWA—The Liberal government, led by Mark Carney, is set to lend up to $304 million to AtkinsRéalis, previously known as SNC-Lavalin, for the design of the next generation of CANDU nuclear reactors.

This funding could position the company favorably to contend for contracts related to a significant expansion at Ontario's largest nuclear facility. When questioned about the rationale behind providing this interest-free loan, Carney was unable to give a direct response and redirected the inquiry to Jonathan Wilkinson, the Minister of Energy & Natural Resources. Wilkinson defended the government's involvement, stating, "In light of recent developments in the United States and under President Trump, it's becoming increasingly important for Ontario and Ontario Power Generation to carefully consider their decisions moving forward." The loan is intended to support the updated design of the CANDU reactor, which is currently operational at power plants across Canada and internationally. AtkinsRéalis has been advocating for government assistance in funding the redesign, dubbed the CANDU Monark, through its campaign "Canadians for Candu," which began last year. AtkinsRéalis, formerly SNC-Lavalin, holds the rights to develop and sell the CANDU reactor, originally designed by the Crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). In 2011, the government under Stephen Harper reached an agreement with AECL to lease this reactor technology to the Quebec-based engineering firm. While the company pays royalties to the government when selling a new reactor or conducting refurbishments, the government retains ownership of the technology's intellectual property. AtkinsRéalis has a history of controversy; prior to its rebranding, it was embroiled in a political scandal in 2019, when allegations surfaced that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pressured his then-justice minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, to negotiate a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve criminal charges linked to activities in Libya. Those charges were eventually settled, resulting in SNC-Lavalin paying a $280 million fine.
Toronto Star.
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