The name of William (Bill) J. Bennett rarely appears on a list of nuclear industry pioneers in Canada – that list usually contains only the names of scientists and nuclear engineers. Bennett, however, played a crucial role: first in making certain the CANDU reactors had a supply of Canadian-sourced fuel; and second in the launch of the Canadian power reactor program.
Bill Bennett, who was born in the northern Ontario town of Schreiber, started his career in 1935 as an executive assistant for C.D. Howe, the man who came to be known as the “Minister of Everything”. As such he was the gatekeeper who determined who got access to the busy Minister.
In early 1942 Gilbert LaBine of the Eldorado Gold Mines Limited sought just such access to Howe. He wanted to restart his mothballed Port Radium uranium mine to provide the USA with the strategic material needed for their weapons program. Howe, who was in charge of manpower and materials that were in short supply during WWII, would need to provide his permission. Howe agreed to allow Eldorado to proceed with the reopening of the mine.
Over the next three years Eldorado became an important supplier of uranium ore and refined uranium oxide for both the USA and for the British-Canadian efforts. There was, however, significant concern with a private company having control of a strategic material and steps were taken to quietly purchase controlling shares of Eldorado on behalf of the government of Canada. On January 28, 1944, Eldorado became a Crown Corporation by order-in-council PC 535 but remained under the leadership of Gilbert LaBine. Two years later, Bill Bennet was named Vice-president and Managing Director of the company with LaBine continuing as a figurehead President. Bennett succeeded LaBine as President in 1947 when LaBine resigned. He soon expanded Eldorado’s operations into Beaverlodge on Lake Athabasca in Northern Saskatchewan, and production began there in 1953.
During Bennett’s presidency, the Cold War intensified and he played a crucial role in the negotiations with the USA for guarantees of price and supply of Canadian-mined uranium, required for their ever-increasing nuclear weapons arsenal. He also played a major role in meeting requests for supplies to meet British demands. The overall requirements of the Canadian civilian program were, by comparison, small.
In 1948 Bennett became a member of the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) whose role at that time was very broad and somewhat poorly defined. Wearing many hats, Bennett was appointed President of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) in 1953. He held that position for the next five years and played an important role in the launching of the power reactor program. In 1958 Bennett left AECL for private industry, joining the Iron Ore Company of Canada where he served in various executive roles until his retirement in 1977. Bill Bennett died in Montreal in 1991.
To learn more about Canada’s nuclear pioneers visit www.nuclearheritage.com or come look through the extensive book and documents collection at the Canadian Nuclear \heritage Museum. To arrange a visit, send an email to info@nuclearheritage.com
Prince Philip and W.J. Bennett at Pert Radium (1954 Aug 9)