Atomic Energy of Canada to open N.B. office for nuclear plant refurbishment

AECL expected to open office to oversee refurbishment

SAINT JOHN, N.B. (CP) _ Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. is expected to open an office to oversee therefurbishment of New Brunswick's nuclear power plant.The federal Crown corporation, chosen by the province in July to refurbish Point Lepreau's aging nuclear reactor, is expected to employ 50 people in an office in Saint John. Liberal MP Paul Zed is expected to announce details of the office and its staffing on Monday. The office is expected to have a payroll of $5 million. Premier Bernard Lord's decision to refurbish Atlantic Canada's only nuclear power plant came after Ottawa refused to provide financial backing for the project. The plant, located near Saint John, employs 700 people and provides 30 per cent of the province's energy requirements.