Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1946 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Agency executive |
|
| Website | www |
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is the federal regulator of nuclear power and materials in Canada. In addition to nuclear power plants and nuclear research facilities, the CNSC regulates numerous other uses of nuclear material such as radionuclides used in the treatment of cancer, the operation of uranium mines and refineries, and the use of radioactive sources for oil exploration, and in instruments such as precipitation measurement devices. The CNSC is an agency of the Government of Canada which reports to the Parliament of Canada through the Minister of Natural Resources.
The CNSC's official mandate under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act involves the four following major areas:
The regulatory system is intended to protect people and the environment from human-made radiation resulting from the use of nuclear energy and materials at licensed sites. This is attempted through licensing processes where licensees are expected to prove that their operations adhere to regulatory standards. At the basis of the regulatory system is the principle that no technology is fail proof, so licensees must incorporate multiple layers of protection whenever radioactive materials are used.
The CNSC is responsible for implementing measures to ensure that Canada's international obligations are met with respect to activities related to nuclear and radioactive materials. This includes Canada's safeguards obligations pursuant to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The CNSC also licences the import, export, and transportation of nuclear materials and other prescribed substances, equipment, technology, and dual-use items. The highest ranking member of the Commission is designated by the Governor in Council to be the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's President and Chief Executive Officer. The President holds office as a Commission member on a full-time basis.The Commission Tribunal establishes legally-binding regulations governing the use of nuclear materials pursuant to the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
...
Wikipedia