CNSC response to the editorial entitled “Mêlons-nous de nos affaires!” [Let’s mind our own business!] published in Le Droit on March 30, 2010

Regulating the nuclear sector for nearly 65 years

I would like to clarify some important points regarding the role of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), in response to the editorial entitled “Mêlons-nous de nos affaires!” [Let’s mind our own business!] published in the March 30, 2010 edition of the daily newspaper Le Droit.

First of all, the CNSC is in no way mandated, as the author suggests, to promote economic development. The CNSC’s mandate is to regulate the nuclear sector, in order to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians, as well as the environment. 

In addition, under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), the CNSC must protect the environment. The NSCA states clearly that the Commission will issue a licence only if it is of the opinion that the applicant “will […] make adequate provision for the protection of the environment.” The CNSC has been regulating the nuclear sector for nearly 65 years and has earned a well-established reputation for environmental assessment carried out in an open and transparent manner since the CEAA came into force in 1995.

What the government is proposing to do is simplify the regulatory process and eliminate duplication. Furthermore, a financial assistance program for participants, similar to that under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), will also be put in place. I want to make it perfectly clear: all CEAA requirements will continue to be met in full.  

Finally, I would like to point out that the Commission’s deliberations, such as the hearings held in connection with environmental assessments, are done publicly and in a transparent manner. In addition, CNSC experts regularly grant media interviews. They do the interviews without interference by public relations specialists, in order to “disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public” concerning the nuclear sector, as provided for in the NSCA.  

In closing, I want to assure your readers that the CNSC is resolutely committed to regulating the nuclear sector to protect Canadians and the environment.

Michael Binder
President
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission