Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Established in 2000 to replace the Atomic Energy Control Board (which was founded in 1946), the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) protects the health, safety and security of Canadians as well as the environment, and respects Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Licensees and organizations applying for licenses are subject to many rules and regulations that make nuclear energy and materials safe. CNSC staff review applications for licences according to regulatory requirements and hold public hearings, make recommendations to the CNSC, and enforce compliance with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, regulations, and any licence conditions imposed by the CNSC.

The CNSC's mandate involves four major areas:

• regulation of the development, production and use of nuclear energy in Canada to protect health, safety and the environment
• regulation of the production, possession, use and transport of nuclear substances, equipment and information
• implementation of measures respecting international control of the development, production, transport and use of nuclear energy and substances, including the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and explosive devices
• dissemination of scientific, technical and regulatory information concerning the activities of CNSC, and the effects on the environment and on the health and safety of persons