Kanata’s Best Theratronics ignores nuclear regulator order as owner threatens lawsuit, raising alarm over public safety and regulatory enforcement in Canada.
Nuclear Facility Misses Deadline, Escalates Legal Threats
A licensed nuclear manufacturer in Kanata, Ontario, has openly defied a federal regulatory order, triggering concerns over public safety and regulatory enforcement. Best Theratronics Ltd. (BTL), a company specializing in cancer treatment machines, failed to submit a mandatory update to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) by June 9, regarding a lapsed $1.8 million financial guarantee. The CNSC has confirmed it received no communication and is now evaluating its next steps.
Owner Rejects Accusations, Plans to Sue Regulator
Krishnan Suthanthiran, the septuagenarian owner of BTL, has responded to the CNSC with combative all-caps emails, denying any violation and accusing the agency of misconduct. He claims to be pursuing a lawsuit against the CNSC and has referred to the dispute as inspiration for a planned “docu-drama” titled No Good Deed Goes Unpunished. Despite repeated attempts, Suthanthiran did not respond directly to inquiries about the missed deadline.
Regulator Faces Scrutiny Over Enforcement Approach
The CNSC issued two formal orders to BTL last November, one demanding the restoration of the financial guarantee and another addressing facility security during a prolonged worker strike. Critics, including the Canadian Environmental Law Association, say the agency’s lenient timelines and deferential tone raise concerns of regulatory capture—where the regulator becomes too close to the industry it monitors.
Financial Guarantee Critical to Public Safety
As a Class 1B nuclear substance processing facility, BTL is required to maintain a financial guarantee to ensure that in the event of a default, the cost of cleanup or decommissioning does not fall on taxpayers. The CNSC amended its financial order in February, granting BTL until early June to submit an update. The company’s failure to respond now places its operating licence at risk, according to CNSC guidelines.
Political and Legal Fallout Mounts
BTL, previously part of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., has long faced criticism. During a 2023 labour dispute, striking employees labeled Suthanthiran “Canada’s worst boss.” Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has called for the immediate revocation of BTL’s licence, citing the company’s failure to comply and Suthanthiran’s prior legal troubles abroad. A Belgian criminal investigation is ongoing into his alleged financial misconduct involving Best Medical Belgium, which cost Belgian taxpayers over $200 million CAD.
Federal Response and Community Impact
BTL’s location in the Ottawa riding of Liberal MP Jenna Sudds has drawn attention from political leaders. Sudds expressed concern over the facility’s disregard for safety directives, emphasizing her commitment to public welfare. Meanwhile, the office of Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson referred the matter back to the CNSC, which declined further comment.
As the CNSC deliberates enforcement, options include penalties, licence revocation, or legal action—measures that may be necessary to restore confidence in Canada’s nuclear oversight.
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