The House of Commons is considering a new law that could increase the liability of companies that operate nuclear facilities if there is an accident.

Bill C-20 increases the ultimate cost to a nuclear company from $75 million to $650 million.

But the NDP, Bloc and the Liberals are already saying the amount is way too little and want it raised.

They point to the limits in other countries, like the U.S., for example, where the ceiling is now $10 billion. All companies there contribute to a fund to help pay for their insurance and potential costs in case of an accident.

In Europe and Japan, there is no limit to how much a company would have to pay in the case of a nuclear incident.

Under this proposed new bill, any liabilities here over $650 million would be borne by the taxpayer.

Debate started on this yesterday and is supposed to continue today before the bill is to go on to the natural resources committee for further study.

— Margo McDiarmid