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CNSC Departmental Results Report 2022-23

CNSC 2022-23 Departmental Results Report (PDF, 43 pages, 998 KB)

Message from the President

President Rumina Velshi

I am pleased to present the 2022–23 Departmental Results Report of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), outlining to Parliamentarians and Canadians how we protected the environment and the health, safety and security of persons, and met our international obligations. It was another year of exemplary performance for Canada’s nuclear facilities in the areas of safety, environmental protection, security and the fulfillment of international obligations.

This report demonstrates how we ensure not only robust regulatory oversight, but also enable innovation in Canada’s nuclear sector.

As I reach the end of my 5-year term as President and CEO of the CNSC in 2023, I feel immensely proud of the vital work we have undertaken in our role as Canada’s nuclear regulator. Strengthening our cooperation with international partners, building trust with Indigenous Nations and communities, modernizing our ways of working, and establishing a more inclusive and agile workforce – our achievements this year clearly built on a proven legacy of regulatory excellence and global leadership to support nuclear safety and security at home and abroad.

The CNSC maintained regulatory oversight of Bruce Power’sFootnote 1 Unit 6 major component replacement (MCR), where return-to-service activities continue, and began Unit 3 MCR activities, such as defueling and isolating the reactor and removing old components  In addition, the first regulatory hold point for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station’sFootnote 2 Unit 3 was lifted. It is progressing with lead-out activities, with 3 hold points remaining. Unit 1 refurbishment began in February 2022. It is nearing the end of the removal phase. The refurbishment of Darlington Units 1 and 3 is progressing according to schedule, with regular compliance inspections being performed as planned.

This past fiscal year, we undertook 2 key licensing activities for medical isotope–producing initiatives. The first was the commissioning of molybdenum-99 radionuclide production at Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. The second was the commissioning of the installed lutetium-177 isotope production system at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station.

The positive findings from the Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG’s) 2022–23 audit of our management of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste are an important validation of how we fulfill our mandate. OAG audits also provide valuable feedback on how we can improve in our endeavours. We are addressing the OAG’s recommendations in the spirit of continuous improvement.

Our international leadership and global nuclear influence remained an important priority in 2022–23. At the Canadian Nuclear Association’s 2023 conference, where the theme was Canada’s Global Leadership, I provided remarks on how the CNSC, as a strong and proactive regulator, is not an impediment to innovation, but rather, one of Canada’s key assets. Furthermore, Canada currently chairs important international nuclear bodies, including the International Nuclear Regulators’ Association and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Commission on Safety Standards, where we share expertise, address emerging challenges and pursue opportunities for collaboration. Our position of influence is essential to improving safety not just here at home, but around the world.

In addition, we continue to work towards the international standardization of small modular reactor (SMR) designs and the harmonization of regulatory practices. To this end, we renewed our memoranda of understanding with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and with the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation, and signed a new memorandum of cooperation with Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency.

We continued to further our readiness for SMRs, especially through the funding provided in Budget 2022, A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More AffordableFootnote 3. We also received our first application for a licence to construct in 30 years, for OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project, which will use the BWRX-300 SMR technology.

While our international leadership and our regulatory readiness and oversight are key to our success, how we engage with the public and Indigenous peoples is vital to our mandate as a trusted regulator. As part of that engagement, we created the Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund using funding received through the Impact Assessment Renewal Initiative.

We also co-hosted Canada’s first Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) International Mentoring Workshop. I had the pleasure of co-chairing the workshop along with Emily Whetung-MacInnes, Chief Emerita of Curve Lake First Nation, and Yeonhee Hah, Vice President for Global Activities with the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety. This immersive workshop was the first of its kind in Canada, and what a success it was! A total of 39 talented Grade 9 Indigenous girls attended the workshop at Trent University. Mentors wove Indigenous knowledge with Western science to engage participants and inspire them to consider STEM-related careers.

Safety culture remained at the forefront of the CNSC’s focus this past year, with Canada hosting the Country-Specific Safety Culture ForumNote de bas de page 4 with the NEA and the World Association of Nuclear Operators. The purpose of this forum was to bring together Canadian nuclear stakeholders and international experts to address specific national characteristics and their impact on day-to-day operations and safety culture. The report is slated to be published in summer 2023.

I am very pleased to say that, during this last fiscal year, we created the Transformation Management Office (TMO) to drive agility, adaptability and innovation in all we do, working with internal partners on medium- and long-term planning. The TMO will provide oversight, support and integrated information for decision making on projects that impact core program delivery and key organizational priorities. This will support our vision to be a world-class regulator.

I invite you to read the CNSC’s 2022–23 Departmental Results Report to learn more about our strategic and operational achievements from the past year. I would like to recognize CNSC staff once again for their hard work and for their dedication to protecting the environment and the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Rumina Velshi
President

Results at a glance

The commitment to the CNSC’s core responsibility of nuclear regulation, the fulfillment of the organization’s mandate, and the achievement of its departmental results for 2022–23 and beyond are delivered through the CNSC’s 5 programs. The programs include the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Program, Nuclear Reactors Program, Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment Program, Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Program, and Scientific, Regulatory and Public Information Program (plus Internal Services) and are guided by 4 strategic priorities.

To have a modern approach to nuclear regulation

Icon representing the CNSC priority: Modern

The CNSC is committed to a modern approach to nuclear regulation using science- and evidence-based, risk-informed, and technically sound regulatory practices that consider scientific uncertainties and evolving expectations.

In 2022–23, the CNSC:

  • continued to play a key role in Canada’s small modular reactor (SMR) action plan,Footnote 5 especially through funding under Budget 2022 (A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More AffordableFootnote 3); the CNSC has used this funding to further its readiness for SMRs through:
    • focused hiring to increase its capacity and capability
    • launching the SMR Readiness project internal initiatives aimed at increasing regulatory predictability
    • external initiatives such as the SMR Leadership Table and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative
    • continued international collaboration, cooperation and harmonization with other nuclear regulators
    • a partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to launch the CNSC–NSERC SMR Grant Initiative
  • completed a combined phases 1 and 2 vendor design review (VDR)Footnote 6 of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 boiling water reactorFootnote 7
    • during this 3-year review, the CNSC examined over 200 documents, attended technical presentations, analyzed and held discussions on 19 focus areas
    • the CNSC also continued the Phase 2 VDR of Terrestrial Energy Inc’s IMSR400, X-energy’s Xe-100 reactor, and ARC Clean Technology’s ARC‑100 reactor
  • led Canada’s participation in the Seventh Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (Joint Convention)Footnote 8
    • the Joint Convention, to which Canada is a contracting party, is an international agreement governing all aspects of the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management
    • the CNSC is expected to lead Canada’s participation in the next Joint Convention review meeting in 2025
  • completed its review of the draft of Canada’s Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning; Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) published the PolicyFootnote 9 in March 2023
  • conducted a self-assessment to gain a better understanding of how its inspection process is implemented across the organization
    • the assessment identified opportunities for improvement, and a recommendation was made that inspection practices be standardized across all CNSC directorates that use this process
    • the assessment also confirmed the effectiveness and benefits of the CNSC’s current approach to conducting onsite, remote and hybrid inspection activities
      • specifically, this flexible approach allows for the safe conduct of inspection activities even in situations where site access may be limited or restricted; it is also beneficial when direct onsite observations are not necessary
      • this approach also offers more flexibility to inspection team members in terms of how they participate
    • a management action plan was developed to address recommendations arising from the assessment; actions are already underway and are expected to be completed by 2024–25

Innovation/Experimentation

CNSC staff continue to explore innovative technologies. For example, in 2022–23, staff engaged with the IAEA and participated in the Transport Safety Standards Committee (TRANSSC) Technical Experts Group to obtain the latest information on transportable nuclear power plants (TNPPs). The CNSC also participated in the IAEA consultancy meeting that is expected to produce a technical report on design safety and security considerations for TNPPs.

In addition to engagement with other competent authorities through the IAEA, the CNSC is working with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) through a memorandum of cooperation to consider a joint review of a transportable micro reactor design. The CNSC has also been in discussions with private industry stakeholders who are in the process of developing various TNPP technologies that can be transported by road and by sea.

In addition, as part of its commitment to innovation, the CNSC developed the Innovation and Research Hub to coordinate and explore new technologies that could have an impact on the regulation of nuclear in Canada. In 2022–23, the Hub continued to explore new technologies and began working on projects such as:

  • regulatory readiness for artificial intelligence
  • virtual reality / digital twin nuclear power plants for inspector training
  • the ability of drones to support compliance verification activities

To be a trusted nuclear regulator

Icon representing the CNSC priority: Trusted

The CNSC continuously strives to be a trusted regulator, recognized as independent, open and transparent, and as a credible source of scientific, technical and regulatory information.

In 2022–23, the CNSC:

Trust strategy

Trust remains an imperative commitment for the CNSC. The CNSC made strides under the 3 pillars of its trust-building strategy in 2022–23:

To maintain our global nuclear influence

Icon representing the CNSC priority: Global

The CNSC leverages and influences global nuclear efforts, relevant to Canadian interests and activities, to enhance international nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

In 2022–23, the CNSC:

CNSC’s Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiative

The CNSC continued to further its impact under the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (WISTEM) initiative in 2022–23. Some activities conducted under this initiative include:

These efforts under the WISTEM initiative serve to support the Government of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,Footnote 11 specifically Goal 5 – Gender Equality, and Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

To be an agile organization

Icon representing the CNSC priority: Agile

The CNSC continues to take the necessary steps to ensure that it is an agile organization – one that is flexible and inclusive, with an empowered and equipped workforce able to quickly adapt to an evolving operating environment.

In 2022–23, the CNSC:

For more information on the CNSC’s plans, priorities and results achieved, see the “Results: what we achieved” section of this report.

Results: What we achieved

Core responsibility: Nuclear regulation

THE CNSC’S DEPARTMENTAL RESULTS

  1. The environment is protected from releases from nuclear facilities and activities.
  2. Canadians are protected from radiation resulting from nuclear facilities and activities.
  3. Nuclear material and substances, facilities and activities are secure and used for peaceful purposes.
  4. Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, have meaningful information about, and the opportunity to participate in, the nuclear regulatory process.

Nuclear regulation

The CNSC regulates the development, production and use of nuclear energy and substances to protect the health, safety, security of persons and the environment; implements Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and disseminates objective scientific and regulatory information to members of the public. The CNSC maintains a regulatory framework and conducts licensing (including environmental protection reviews), compliance verification and enforcement. The CNSC is committed to building and maintaining the confidence of the public and Indigenous peoples through transparent, open and inclusive regulatory processes.

Departmental results 1 and 2

  1. The environment is protected from releases from nuclear facilities and activities.
  2. Canadians are protected from radiation resulting from nuclear facilities and activities.

For the CNSC to achieve its planned results, risks must be identified, monitored and controlled across all nuclear facilities and activities by CNSC inspectors, who conduct compliance and licensing activities for nearly 1,700 licensees across various sectors.

To ensure that the environment is protected from radiological and hazardous releases from nuclear facilities and activities, and to ensure that Canadians are protected from radiation resulting from nuclear facilities and activities, in 2022–23, the CNSC:

Impact assessments

The CNSC continues to collaborate with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) under the existing memorandum of understanding to develop tools and clarify roles in advance of the first impact assessment for nuclear-designated projects. To ensure future readiness, the CNSC and the IAAC are hosting workshops with proponents to discuss the impact assessment (IA) process and how it will apply to their potential projects. Among the efficiencies being explored are leveraging work early in the process to better understand issues and concerns from key partners, preparing updated tailored guidelines for the nuclear sector, and recognizing the potential to use existing information and studies. The collaborative work with the IAAC also includes encouraging early and ongoing dialogue between the CNSC and the IAAC, creating strong relationships with Indigenous peoples, and identifying other potential efficiencies while also ensuring a robust and transparent IA process.

To ensure consistency in licensing and compliance verification, the CNSC’s regulatory framework and environmental assessment requirements must be clear and understood by proponents and licensees. The regulatory framework consists of lawsFootnote 24 passed by Parliament, regulations, and licences and regulatory documents that are used to regulate Canada’s nuclear industry. In 2022–23, the CNSC published 5 regulatory documents.Footnote 25 Regulatory documents clarify the CNSC’s requirements and may contain practical guidance to licensees and applicants on how to meet the CNSC’s regulatory requirements. Such guidance can include information on possible approaches to the design of nuclear facilities, the design and implementation of required management and operational programs, and forms for applying for licences or reporting information to the Commission.

The CNSC’s Independent Environmental Monitoring ProgramFootnote 26 (IEMP) helps verify that the public and the environment around CNSC-regulated nuclear facilities are not adversely affected by releases to the environment. The IEMP complements the ongoing compliance verification program and involves taking samples from public areas around nuclear facilities. These samples are measured and analyzed to determine the amount of radiological and hazardous substances and compared to guidelines. The CNSC continues to post IEMP sampling data and resulting conclusions on its websiteFootnote 26. This work serves to support the Government of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,11 particularly Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.

The CNSC and its laboratory remain involved in the TerraCanada Science and Innovation Hub, which is part of a federal government–wide initiativeFootnote 27 to both modernize science infrastructure and enhance collaboration among scientists. In 2022–23, it was announced that the CNSC would move forward with NRCan in the first stage of the initiative. As a result, the CNSC continues to contribute to over 20 committees, participating at many levels to help plan the laboratory relocation with TerraCanada and LabsCanada.

Departmental result 3

Nuclear material and substances, facilities and activities are secure and used for peaceful purposes.

Through the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), the CNSC implements Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The CNSC implements regulatory programs to ensure that CNSC licensees and Canada at large meet the obligations arising from Canada’s international safeguards agreements with the IAEA. Safeguards conclusions drawn by the IAEA assure Canadians and the international community that all nuclear materials in Canada are used for peaceful purposes.

The exports of significant nuclear items are made subject to nuclear cooperation agreements (NCAs).Footnote 28 These are treaty-level agreements designed to minimize the proliferation risk associated with international transfers of nuclear items. The CNSC implements the terms and conditions of NCAs through administrative arrangementsFootnote 28 with its regulatory counterparts in partner countries. The CNSC also implements a licensing and compliance program to ensure that imports and exports of nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information (technology) meet regulatory requirements. This allows the CNSC to meet Canada's nuclear non-proliferationFootnote 29 policy and international obligations and commitments.

In 2022–23, the CNSC:

Being prepared in the event of an emergency is an essential part of being a responsible nuclear regulator. Nuclear emergency management is a shared responsibility in Canada, and the CNSC has a comprehensive emergency management program in place. The CNSC works with nuclear operators, all levels of government and other stakeholders, including international organizations, to ensure readiness. In 2022–23, the CNSC:

Modernizing the CNSC’s Nuclear Security Regulations

Nuclear security is a major consideration in all CNSC activities. The CNSC is responsible for enforcing Canada’s Nuclear Security Regulations (NSR) and works closely with nuclear operators, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, international organizations and other government departments to ensure that nuclear materials and facilities are adequately protected. Cyber security remains an important and evolving issue. The CNSC is responsible for enforcing cyber security regulatory requirements to ensure that nuclear facilities continue to protect their cyber assets. In 2022–23, the CNSC:

Departmental result 4

Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, have meaningful information about, and the opportunity to participate in, the nuclear regulatory process.

The CNSC is a proactive regulator that supports participation by members of the public and Indigenous Nations and communities in the CNSC’s regulatory processes. Public hearings and meetings are open to the public, are sometimes held in the host community and are always webcast live on the CNSC’s website. In addition, the CNSC offers funding through its Participant Funding Program (PFP) to help support the participation of Indigenous Nations and communities, members of the public, and stakeholders in bringing valuable information to the Commission. This is recognized internationally as a best practice to emulate. Learn more about the PFPFootnote 33 and watch a short CNSC videoFootnote 34 about it by visiting the CNSC website.

To ensure that Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, have meaningful information about, and the opportunity to participate in, the nuclear regulatory process in 2022–23, the CNSC continued to:

The CNSC welcomes input from the public and Indigenous groups on draft regulatory documents that are open for consultation on Let’s Talk Nuclear Safety.Footnote 36 Each draft regulatory document open for public comment is made available for a specified period of time (at least 30 days). At the end of the consultation period, CNSC staff review all input and comments are posted for feedback on the CNSC website. The consultation sectionFootnote 36 of the CNSC website provides up-to-date information on current consultations for regulatory initiatives, and the necessary information and guidance on how to participate. In 2022–23, the CNSC posted 5 regulatory documents for public consultation, and 29 people provided comments.

Through “Meet the Nuclear Regulator” sessions, CNSC experts offer the public an opportunity to learn about how to participate in the licensing process, in order to build understanding of and public confidence in Canada’s nuclear regulation. To participate in an upcoming “Meet the Nuclear Regulator” or webinar session,Footnote 37 visit the CNSC website.

Furthermore, the CNSC frequently participates in community outreach and engagement activities and responds to media calls and public information inquiries. As an agent of the Crown, the CNSC has an important responsibility to engage and consult with interested Indigenous groups and is committed to developing long-term positive relationships with these communities.

Disseminating information is part of the CNSC’s mandate, but that information also has to be accessible and understood. One goal of the CNSC’s web and social media platforms – YouTube,Footnote 38 Facebook,Footnote 39 LinkedInFootnote 40 and TwitterFootnote 41 – is to provide technical information in plain language that explains complicated nuclear science in simple terms. The CNSC continues to dedicate resources to its social media engagement, not only to share information, but also to answer questions from followers, often with the assistance of a subject-matter expert.

The CNSC maintains research initiatives and programs to ensure that it keeps abreast of new scientific information, develops its own knowledge base and shares its research findings with stakeholders and scientists in Canada and abroad. The organization offers the public a comprehensive list of relevant scientific and technical informationFootnote 42 on its website. Topics can be searched according to the CNSC’s 14 safety and control areas (SCAs)Footnote 43, which are used to assess, evaluate, review, verify and report on regulatory requirements and performance. The SCAs are presented in a comprehensive framework and grouped into 3 primary functional areas: management; facility and equipment; and core control processes.

The CNSC funds an external research program to obtain knowledge and information needed to support its regulatory mission. The outcome of these research activities helps the CNSC understand and address new or emerging safety issues, gain third-party perspectives on nuclear science, and share scientific knowledge with the nuclear industry and the public at large. For more information on the outcomes of this program, visit the CNSC’s website.Footnote 44

The CNSC, as well as licensees, continue to make progress in ensuring documents and reports are made readily available online to members of the public, including documents submitted for Commission proceedings, which can be found on the CNSC’s website.Footnote 45 Specifically, in 2022–23, the CNSC:

In 2022-23, the CNSC

Paid out $2,142,686.13 to 143 recipients, the majority being Indigenous Nations and communities.

In 2022-23, the CNSC

Held over 300 meetings with 52 Indigenous groups representing over 100 different Indigenous Nations and communities.

In 2022-23, the CNSC

Responded to 687 public information inquiries and 56 media inquiries, posted 11 feature articles to its website and disseminated 20 new publications.

In 2022-23, the CNSC

Had over 438 participants across 9 “Meet the Nuclear Regulator” sessions.

In 2022-23, the CNSC

Posted 1,677 times on social media channels and engaged with the public through these platforms 28,486 times.

Research and Support Program: $3,308,934

$1,123,348 invested in 29 research contracts

$2,116,087 invested in 36 contribution agreements

$69,500 put towards 8 grants

Results achieved

The following table shows, for Nuclear regulation, the results achieved, the performance indicators, the targets and the target dates for 2022–23, and the actual results for the three most recent fiscal years for which actual results are available.

Table 1: The environment is protected from releases from nuclear facilities and activities.
Departmental result indicators Target Date to achieve target 2020–21 Actual results 2021–22 Actual results 2022–23 Actual results
Number of instances of radiological releases that exceeded regulatory limits 0 March 31, 2023 0 0 0
Number of instances of hazardous releases that exceeded regulatory limits ≤ 5 March 31, 2023 2 0 2
Percentage of Independent Environmental Monitoring Program (IEMP) samples (food, water, air and vegetation) that met guidelines ≥ 95% March 31, 2023 94.9%Footnote 46 97% 98%
Table 2: Canadians are protected from radiation resulting from nuclear facilities and activities.
Departmental result indicators Target Date to achieve target 2020–21 Actual results 2021–22 Actual results 2022–23 Actual results
Number of radiation doses to members of the public that exceeded regulatory limits 0 March 31, 2023 0 0 0
Number of radiation doses to workers that exceeded regulatory limits 0 March 31, 2023 3Footnote 47 0 0
Table 3: Nuclear material and substances, facilities and activities are secure and used for peaceful purposes.
Departmental result indicators Target Date to achieve target 2020–21 Actual results 2021–22 Actual results 2022–23 Actual results
Number of instances of non-peaceful or malicious use of Canadian exports of nuclear substances, equipment and information 0 March 31, 2023 0 0 0
Number of lost or stolen radioactive sealed sources ≤ 2 March 31, 2023 0 0 0
Canada’s international commitments to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with respect to nuclear safeguards and verification are met IAEA broader conclusion December 31, 2022 Met Met Met
Table 4: Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, have meaningful information about, and the opportunity to participate in, the nuclear regulatory process.
Departmental result indicators Target Date to achieve target 2020–21 Actual results 2021–22 Actual results 2022–23 Actual results
Percentage of Commission proceedings that were accessible to members of the public and Indigenous peoples ˃ 90% March 31, 2023 100% 92% 95%
Percentage of Commission proceedings for which the Participant Funding Program (PFP) was made available to members of the public and Indigenous peoples ˃ 90% March 31, 2023 100% 100% 100%
Percentage of Commission proceedings documents that were available in a timely manner on the CNSC external website upon request by members of the public and Indigenous peoples ˃ 90% March 31, 2023 100% 95% 95%
Number of self-identified Indigenous groups and organizations who participated in CNSC proceedings Increasing trend March 31, 2023 18Footnote 48 23 29

Financial, human resources and performance information for the CNSC’s Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.Footnote 49

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

The following table shows, for Nuclear regulation, budgetary spending for 2022–23, as well as actual spending for that year.

2022–23 Main Estimates 2022–23 Planned spending 2022–23 Total authorities available for use 2022–23 Actual spending (authorities used) 2022–23 Difference (Actual spending minus Planned spending)
96,985,453 104,496,124 115,303,643 102,591,286 (1,904,838)

Financial, human resources and performance information for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.Footnote 50

Human resources (full-time equivalents)

The following table shows, in full‑time equivalents, the human resources the department needed to fulfill this core responsibility for 2022–23.

2022–23 Planned full-time equivalents 2022–23 Actual full-time equivalents 2022–23 Difference (Actual full-time equivalents minus Planned full-time equivalents)
613 617 4

Financial, human resources and performance information for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Program Inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.Footnote 50

Internal services

Description

Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal services refers to the activities and resources of the 10 distinct services that support program delivery in the organization, regardless of the internal services delivery model in a department. These are:

Enabling a hybrid workforce

The CNSC continues to work as a hybrid workforce and is modernizing its physical offices as well as its IM/IT infrastructure and services to ensure effective work experiences for employees. For example, the CNSC continues to renovate its office space portfolio to meet GCworkplace standards. By fall 2023, approximately 75% of the office space portfolio in the National Capital Region will be fully converted to the new standards, with unassigned seating layouts.

In 2022–23, the CNSC also moved forward with its Digital Strategy, including launching the Digital Workspace to the organization and initiating work to modernize core data and support services for licensing, compliance and certification.

Results highlights

Prioritizing equity, diversity and inclusion remains a fundamental commitment at the CNSC, as bringing together diverse voices and perspectives strengthens the organization and increases innovation, while ensuring that employees feel safe and empowered to grow and do their best work. To enable equity, diversity and inclusion, in 2022–23, the CNSC:

Contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

The CNSC is a Phase 2 organization and is aiming to achieve the minimum 5% target by the end of 2023–24. In order to achieve this target, the CNSC will:

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)
2022–23 Main Estimates 2022–23 Planned spending 2022–23 Total authorities available for use 2022–23 (authorities used) 2022–23 Difference (Actual spending minus Planned spending)
46,696,700 50,312,948 53,031,858 50,374,879 61,931

Human resources (full-time equivalents)

The following table shows, in full‑time equivalents, the human resources the department needed to carry out its internal services for 2022–23.

2022–23 Planned full-time equivalents 2022–23 Actual full-time equivalents 2022–23 Difference (Actual full-time equivalents minus Planned full-time equivalents)
284 291 7

Spending and human resources

Spending

Spending 2020–21 to 2025–26

The following graph presents planned (voted and statutory spending) over time.

Departmental spending trend graph
[Departmental spending trend graph: Text version]
Spending 2020–21 to 2025–26
Fiscal year Total Voted Statutory
2020–21 139,527,021 34,910,780 104,616,241
2021–22 143,540,298 35,111,799 108,428,499
2022–23 152,966,165 40,887,209 112,078,956
2023–24 170,463,816 51,986,215 118,477,601
2024–25 172,895,571 52,922,362 119,973,209
2025–26 174,634,414 52,602,389 122,032,025

The CNSC is financed by the Government of Canada through voted parliamentary and statutory authorities. Included in the statutory appropriation is a revenue-spending authority, which allows the CNSC to spend most licence-fee revenue, as well as funding for contributions to employee benefit plans. The voted authority provides funding for the activities of licensees exempt from paying fees (that is, hospitals and universities) and for activities relating to Canada’s international obligations (including non‑proliferation activities), public responsibilities such as emergency management and public information programs, and the updating of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its associated regulations.

The budgetary performance summary section provides variance explanations on year-to-year fluctuations in spending.

Budgetary performance summary for core responsibility and internal services (dollars)

The “Budgetary performance summary for core responsibilities and internal services” table presents the budgetary financial resources allocated for the CNSC’s core responsibilities and for internal services.

Core responsibilities and internal services 2022–23 Main Estimates 2022–23 planned spending 2023–24 planned spending 2024–25 planned spending 2022–23 total authorities available for use 2020–21 actual spending (authorities used) 2021–22 actual spending (authorities used) 2022–23 actual spending (authorities used)
Nuclear Regulation 96,985,453 104,496,124 116,574,133 118,614,657 115,303,643 92,862,646 96,598,106 102,591,286
Subtotal 96,985,453 104,496,124 116,574,133 118,614,657 115,303,643 92,862,646 96,598,106 102,591,286
Internal Services 46,696,700 50,312,948 53,889,683 54,280,914 53,031,858 46,664,375 46,942,192 50,374,879
Total 143,682,153 154,809,072 170,463,816 172,895,571 168,335,501 139,527,021 143,590,298 152,966,165

The CNSC’s Main Estimates for fiscal year 2022–23 totalled $143.7 million, compared to total authorities of $168.3 million. The $24.6 million in additional authorities is primarily attributable to:

The $4.1 million increase in actual spending from $139.5 million in 2020–21 to $143.6 million in 2021–22 is due mainly to an increase in personnel costs resulting from a rise in the use of full-time equivalents (FTEs) and to economic increases, including retroactive payments.

The $9.4 million increase in actual spending from $143.6 million in 2021–22 to $153.0 million in 2022–23 is due mainly to:

There was minimal variance between actual spending of $153.0 million in 2022–23 and planned spending of $154.8 million.

The CNSC’s planned spending is forecasted to increase by $17.5 million to $170.5 million in 2023–24, compared to actual spending of $153.0 million in 2022–23, as a result of funding received for SMRs; the implementation of the Impact Assessment Act; cost-of-living increases, including salary and wages; and a projected higher level of staffed positions. Planned spending is forecasted to increase to $172.9 million in 2024–25 as a result of projected cost-of-living increases.

Human resources

The “Human resources summary for core responsibility and internal services” table presents the full‑time equivalents (FTEs) allocated to the CNSC’s core responsibility and to internal services.

Human resources summary for core responsibility and internal services
Core responsibilities and Internal Services 2020–21 Actual full-time equivalents 2021–22 Actual full-time equivalents 2022–23 Planned full-time equivalents 2022–23 Actual full-time equivalents 2023–24 Planned full-time equivalents 2024–25 Planned full-time equivalents
Nuclear regulation 581 592 613 617 682 678
Subtotal 581 592 613 617 682 678
Internal Services 269 279 284 291 301 300
Total 850 871 897 908 983 978

The increase in FTEs from 850 in 2020–21 to 871 in 2021–22 is primarily a result of the staffing of vacant positions. The increase in FTEs from 871 in 2021–22 to 908 in 2022–23 is a result of SMR readiness activities and the continued staffing of vacant positions.

Actual FTEs of 908 in 2022–23 exceeded planned FTEs of 897, which did not include staffing related to SMR readiness.

As published in the 2023–24 Departmental Plan, the planned increase from 908 FTEs in 2022–23 to 983 FTEs in 2023–24 is due to the full-year impact of the 2022–23 staffing actions related to SMR regulatory readiness, the new grants and contributions programs, and the continued staffing of vacant positions. The FTE forecast anticipates a marginal decrease from 983 FTEs in 2023–24 to 978 FTEs in 2024–25.

Expenditures by vote

For information on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s organizational voted and statutory expenditures, consult the Public Accounts of Canada 2022.Footnote 52

Government of Canada spending and activities

Information on the alignment of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s spending with Government of Canada’s spending and activities is available in GC InfoBase.Footnote 42

Financial statements and financial statements highlights

Financial statements

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s financial statements (audited) for the year ended March 31, 2023 are available on the departmental website.Footnote 53

Financial statement highlights

Table 10: Condensed Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the year ending March 31, 2023 (dollars)
Financial information 2022–23 Planned results 2022–23 Actual results 2021–22 Actual results Difference (2022–23 Actual results minus 2022–23 Planned results) Difference (2022–23 Actual results minus 2021–22 Actual results)
Total expenses 169,616,000 177,280,599 157,653,268 7,664,599 19,627,331
Total revenues 123,991,000 126,577,756 115,676,030 2,586,756 10,901,726
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers 45,625,000 50,702,843 41,977,238 5,077,843 8,725,605

The total actual expenses of $177.3 million were $7.7 million or 4.5% more than planned expenditures of $169.6 million mainly because of:

The actual total revenues of $126.6 million were $2.6 million or 2.1% greater than planned revenues of $124.0 million.

The CNSC’s total expenses increased from 2021–22 to 2022–23 by $19.6 million or 12.5%, mainly due to:

The CNSC’s revenues increased by $10.9 million or 9.4% due to increased levels of spending and the resulting cost recovery.

The net cost of operations increased by $8.7 million or 20.8% due to increased levels of spending, including on SMR readiness activities and the implementation of the Impact Assessment Renewal Initiative.

The 2022–23 planned results information is provided in the CNSC’s Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and Notes 2022–23.Footnote 53

Table 11: Condensed Statement of Financial Position (unaudited) as of March 31, 2023 (dollars)
Financial information 2022–23 2021–22 Difference (2022–23 minus 2021–22)
Total net liabilities 46,477,900 50,753,285 (4,275,385)
Total net financial assets 30,532,919 34,533,170 (4,000,251)
Departmental net debt 15,944,981 16,220,115 (275,134)
Total non-financial assets 8,934,668 9,973,337 (1,038,669)
Departmental net financial position (7,010,313) (6,246,778) 763,535

The decrease of $4.3 million in the CNSC’s net liabilities is mainly due to a decrease in the amount of year-end refunds payable to licensees for the excess collection of fee charges over actual fees at year‑end, partially offset by an increase in salaries and wages payable.

The decrease of $4.0 million in the CNSC’s net financial assets is the result of a decrease in the amount due from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is an amount due from the federal government and may be disbursed without further charges to the CNSC’s authorities.

The decrease of $0.3 million in departmental net debt is a result of the increase in net liabilities, offset by a decrease in total net financial assets.

The decrease of $1.1 million in non-financial assets is a result of a decrease in the net book value of tangible capital assets, as amortization expenses exceeded the cost of new capital acquisitions.

The increase of $0.8 million in the CNSC’s departmental net financial position is the difference between the total non-financial assets and the departmental net debt.

The 2022–23 planned results information is provided in the CNSC’s Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and Notes 2022–23.Footnote 53

Corporate information

Organizational profile

Appropriate minister: Jonathan Wilkinson

Institutional head: Rumina VelshiFootnote 54

Ministerial portfolio: Natural Resources CanadaFootnote 55

Enabling instrument: Nuclear Safety and Control ActFootnote 56

Year of incorporation: 2000

Other: The CNSC’s headquarters is located in Ottawa, Ontario. The CNSC maintains 11 regional offices, both at major facilities and elsewhere, in order to conduct inspections of licensees across the country on a regular basis.

Raison d’être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do

“Raison d’être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do” is available on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s website.Footnote 57

Operating context

Information on the operating context is available on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s website.Footnote 50

Reporting framework

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Departmental Results Framework and Program Inventory of record for 2022–23 are shown below.

Core Responsibility: Nuclear Regulation
Description: The CNSC regulates the development, production and use of nuclear energy and substances to protect health, safety, security of persons and the environment; implements Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and disseminates objective scientific and regulatory information to members of the public. The CNSC maintains a regulatory framework and conducts licensing (including environmental protection reviews), compliance verification and enforcement. The CNSC is committed to building and maintaining the confidence of the public and Indigenous peoples through transparent, open and inclusive regulatory processes.
Departmental Results Indicators
R 1: The environment is protected from releases from nuclear facilities and activities. Number of instances of radiological releases that exceeded regulatory limits
Number of instances of hazardous releases that exceeded regulatory limits
Percentage of Independent Environmental Monitoring Program (IEMP) samples (food, water, air, soil, sediment, sand and vegetation) that met guidelines
R 2: Canadians are protected from radiation resulting from nuclear facilities and activities. Number of radiation doses to members of the public that exceeded regulatory limits
Number of radiation doses to workers that exceeded regulatory limits
R 3: Nuclear material and substances, facilities and activities are secure and used for peaceful purposes. Number of instances of non-peaceful or malicious use of Canadian exports of nuclear substances, equipment and information
Number of lost or stolen radioactive sealed sources
Canada’s international commitments to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with respect to nuclear safeguards and verification are met
R 4: Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, have meaningful information about, and the opportunity to participate in, the nuclear regulatory process. Percentage of CNSC proceedings that were accessible to members of the public and Indigenous peoples
Percentage of CNSC proceedings for which the Participant Funding Program (PFP) was made available to members of the public and Indigenous peoples
Percentage of public proceedings documents that were available in a timely manner upon request by members of the public and Indigenous peoples
Number of self-identified Indigenous groups and organizations who participated in CNSC proceedings
Program Inventory
Nuclear Fuel Cycle Nuclear Reactors Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment Nuclear Non-Proliferation Scientific, Regulatory and Public Information
Internal Services

Supporting information on the program inventory

Supporting information on planned expenditures, human resources, and results related to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s program inventory is available in the GC InfoBase.Footnote 42

Supplementary information tables

The following supplementary information tables are available on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s website:Footnote 57

Federal tax expenditures

The tax system can be used to achieve public policy objectives through the application of special measures such as low tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and credits. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for these measures each year in the Report on Federal Tax Expenditures.Footnote 51 This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs as well as evaluations and GBA Plus of tax expenditures.

Organizational contact information

Mailing address

Head office
280 Slater St
PO Box 1046 Stn B
Ottawa ON K1P 5S9
Canada

Telephone: 613-995-5894
Toll free: 1-800-668-5284
Fax: 613-995-5086

Email: cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

Website: https://www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.caFootnote 59

Appendix: Definitions

Appropriation (crédit)

Any authority of Parliament to pay money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Budgetary expenditures (dépenses budgétaires)

Operating and capital expenditures; transfer payments to other levels of government, organizations or individuals; and payments to Crown corporations.

Core responsibility (responsabilité essentielle)

An enduring function or role performed by a department. The intentions of the department with respect to a core responsibility are reflected in one or more related departmental results that the department seeks to contribute to or influence.

Departmental Plan (plan ministériel)

A report on the plans and expected performance of an appropriated department over a 3‑year period. Departmental Plans are tabled in Parliament each spring.

Departmental priority (priorité)

A plan or project that a department has chosen to focus and report on during the planning period. Priorities represent the things that are most important or what must be done first to support the achievement of the desired departmental results.

Departmental result (résultat ministériel)

A consequence or outcome that a department seeks to achieve. A departmental result is often outside departments’ immediate control, but it should be influenced by program-level outcomes.

Departmental result indicator (indicateur de résultat ministériel)

A quantitative measure of progress on a departmental result.

Departmental results framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)

A framework that connects the department’s core responsibilities to its departmental results and departmental result indicators.

Departmental results report (rapport sur les résultats ministériels)

A report on a department’s actual accomplishments against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the corresponding Departmental Plan.

Experimentation (expérimentation)

The conducting of activities that seek to first explore, then test and compare the effects and impacts of policies and interventions in order to inform evidence-based decision-making, and improve outcomes for Canadians, by learning what works, for whom and in what circumstances. Experimentation is related to, but distinct from innovation (the trying of new things), because it involves a rigorous comparison of results. For example, using a new website to communicate with Canadians can be an innovation; systematically testing the new website against existing outreach tools or an old website to see which one leads to more engagement, is experimentation.

Full‑time equivalent (équivalent temps plein)

A measure of the extent to which an employee represents a full person year charge against a departmental budget. For a particular position, the full time equivalent figure is the ratio of number of hours the person actually works divided by the standard number of hours set out in the person’s collective agreement.

Gender-based analysis plus (gba+) (analyse comparative entre les sexes plus [acs+])

An analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs and other initiatives; and understand how factors such as sex, race, national and ethnic origin, Indigenous origin or identity, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic conditions, geography, culture and disability, impact experiences and outcomes, and can affect access to and experience of government programs.

Government-wide priorities (priorités pangouvernementales)

For the purpose of the 2021–22 Departmental Results Report, government-wide priorities refers to those high-level themes outlining the government’s agenda in the 2020 Speech from the Throne, namely: Protecting Canadians from COVID-19; Helping Canadians through the pandemic; Building back better – a resiliency agenda for the middle class; The Canada we’re fighting for.

Horizontal initiative (initiative horizontale)

An initiative where two or more departments are given funding to pursue a shared outcome, often linked to a government priority.

Non‑budgetary expenditures (dépenses non budgétaires)

Net outlays and receipts related to loans, investments and advances, which change the composition of the financial assets of the Government of Canada.

Performance (rendement)

What an organization did with its resources to achieve its results, how well those results compare to what the organization intended to achieve, and how well lessons learned have been identified.

Performance indicator (indicateur de rendement)

A qualitative or quantitative means of measuring an output or outcome, with the intention of gauging the performance of an organization, program, policy or initiative respecting expected results.

Performance reporting (production de rapports sur le rendement)

The process of communicating evidence‑based performance information. Performance reporting supports decision-making, accountability and transparency.

Plan (plan)

The articulation of strategic choices, which provides information on how an organization intends to achieve its priorities and associated results. Generally, a plan will explain the logic behind the strategies chosen and tend to focus on actions that lead up to the expected result.

Planned spending (dépenses prévues)

For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to those amounts presented in Main Estimates.

A department is expected to be aware of the authorities that it has sought and received. The determination of planned spending is a departmental responsibility, and departments must be able to defend the expenditure and accrual numbers presented in their Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports.

Program (programme)

Individual or groups of services, activities or combinations thereof that are managed together within the department and focus on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.

Program inventory (répertoire des programmes)

Identifies all the department’s programs and describes how resources are organized to contribute to the department’s core responsibilities and results.

Result (résultat)

A consequence attributed, in part, to an organization, policy, program or initiative. Results are not within the control of a single organization, policy, program or initiative; instead they are within the area of the organization’s influence.

Statutory expenditures (dépenses législatives)

Expenditures that Parliament has approved through legislation other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose of the expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made.

Target (cible)

A measurable performance or success level that an organization, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period. Targets can be either quantitative or qualitative.

Voted expenditures (dépenses votées)

Expenditures that Parliament approves annually through an appropriation act. The vote wording becomes the governing conditions under which these expenditures may be made.

Endnotes

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Bruce A and B Nuclear Generating Stations, http://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/reactors/power-plants/nuclear-facilities/bruce-nuclear-generating-station/index

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Footnote 2

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/reactors/power-plants/nuclear-facilities/darlington-nuclear-generating-station/index

Return to first footnote 2 referrer

Footnote 3

Canada, Budget 2022: A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable, https://budget.gc.ca/2022/home-accueil-en.html

Return to first footnote 3 referrer

Footnote 4

Nuclear Energy Agency, Country-Specific Safety Culture Forum, https://www.oecd-nea.org/jcms/pl_29571/country-specific-safety-culture-forum-csscf

Return to footnote 4 referrer

Footnote 5

Canada’s Small Modular Reactor, SMR Action Plan, https://smractionplan.ca/

Return to footnote 5 referrer

Footnote 6

Canada’s Small Modular Reactor, Pre-Licensing Vendor Design Review, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/reactors/power-plants/pre-licensing-vendor-design-review/index

Return to footnote 6 referrer

Footnote 7

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Executive summary: Combined phases 1 and 2 pre-licensing vendor design review – General Electric Hitachi Nuclear Energy https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/reactors/power-plants/pre-licensing-vendor-design-review/geh-nuclear-energy-executive-summary

Return to footnote 7 referrer

Footnote 8

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Canada's National Reports to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/publications/reports/jointconvention/

Return to footnote 8 referrer

Footnote 9

Natural Resources Canada, Canada’s Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning, https://natural-resources.canada.ca/our-natural-resources/energy-sources-distribution/nuclear-energy-uranium/radioactive-waste/canadas-policy-for-radioactive-waste-management-and-decommissioning/24987

Return to footnote 9 referrer

Footnote 10

ICRP2021+1, 6th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection, https://icrp2021.com/

Return to footnote 10 referrer

Footnote 11

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda

Return to footnote 11 referrer

Footnote 12

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, CNSC Accessibility Plan 2022–25, /eng/accessibility/accessibility-plan-2022

Return to footnote 12 referrer

Footnote 13

Employment and Social Development Canada, Summary of the proposed Accessible Canada Regulations, https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-canada/regulations-summary-act.html#h2.04

Return to footnote 13 referrer

Footnote 14

Accessible Canada Act, https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-0.6/page-1.html

Return to footnote 14 referrer

Footnote 15

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Near Surface Disposal Facility, https://www.cnl.ca/environmental-stewardship/near-surface-disposal-facility-nsdf/

Return to footnote 15 referrer

Footnote 16

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Nuclear Power Demonstration Closure Project, https://www.cnl.ca/environmental-stewardship/nuclear-power-demonstration-closure-project/

Return to footnote 16 referrer

Footnote 17

NexGen Energy, Rook 1, https://nexgenenergy.ca/projects/rook-1/

Return to footnote 17 referrer

Footnote 18

Denison Mines, Wheeler River Project, https://www.denisonmines.com/projects/core-projects/wheeler-river-project/

Return to footnote 18 referrer

Footnote 19

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Whiteshell Reactor #1 Decommissioning, https://www.cnl.ca/environmental-stewardship/wr-1-reactor-decommissioning/

Return to footnote 19 referrer

Footnote 20

Nuclear Waste Management Organization, About Adaptive Phased Management, https://www.nwmo.ca/en/Canadas-Plan/About-Adaptive-Phased-Management-APM

Return to footnote 20 referrer

Footnote 21

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Special Project Service Arrangement between CNSC and NWMO, /eng/pdfs/MoU-Agreements/CNSC-NWMO-Special-Project-Arrangement_e.pdf

Return to footnote 21 referrer

Footnote 22

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Darlington New Nuclear Project, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/status-of-new-nuclear-projects/darlington/index

Return to footnote 22 referrer

Footnote 23

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Global First Power Micro Modular Reactor Project, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/reactors/research-reactors/chalk-river/global-first-micro-modular-reactor-project

Return to footnote 23 referrer

Footnote 24

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Acts and Regulations, www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/acts-and- regulations/acts/index

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Footnote 25

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Regulatory Documents, www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/acts-and-regulations/regulatory-documents/index

Return to footnote 25 referrer

Footnote 26

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Independent Environmental Monitoring Program (IEMP), www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/maps-of-nuclear-facilities/iemp/index-iemp

Return to first footnote 26 referrer

Footnote 27

Government of Canada, Laboratories Canada, https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_97809.html

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Footnote 28

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, International agreements, www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/international-cooperation/international-agreements

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Footnote 29

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Non-proliferation: import/export controls and safeguards, www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/non-proliferation/index

Return to footnote 29 referrer

Footnote 30

Justice Laws Website, Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations, https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2000-210/page-1.html

Return to footnote 30 referrer

Footnote 31

Justice Laws Website, General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations, https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2000-202/index.html

Return to footnote 31 referrer

Footnote 32

United Nations, Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), https://www.un.org/en/conferences/npt2020

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Footnote 33

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Participant Funding Program, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/the-commission/participant-funding-program/index

Return to footnote 33 referrer

Footnote 34

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, CNSC Videos, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/videos/player/index?videoid=participant-funding-program

Return to footnote 34 referrer

Footnote 35

Canada, Let’s Talk Nuclear Safety, https://www.letstalknuclearsafety.ca/

Return to footnote 35 referrer

Footnote 36

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Consultation, http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/acts-and-regulations/consultation/index

Return to first footnote 36 referrer

Footnote 37

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Engaging the public through webinars, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/get-involved/meet-the-nuclear-regulator/index

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Footnote 38

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/cnscccsn

Return to footnote 38 referrer

Footnote 39

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CanadianNuclearSafetyCommission

Return to footnote 39 referrer

Footnote 40

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, LinkedIn account, https://ca.linkedin.com/company/cnsc-ccsn

Return to footnote 40 referrer

Footnote 41

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Twitter account, https://twitter.com/CNSC_CCSN

Return to footnote 41 referrer

Footnote 42

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Science and Technical Information, http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/research/index

Return to first footnote 42 referrer

Footnote 43

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Safety and control areas, http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/publications/reports/powerindustry/safety-and-control-areas

Return to footnote 43 referrer

Footnote 44

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Research and Support Program, http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/research/research-and-support-program/index

Return to footnote 44 referrer

Footnote 45

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Public Commission hearings, http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/the-commission/hearings/

Return to footnote 45 referrer

Footnote 46

In fiscal year 2020–21, 94.9% of IEMP results met the guidelines. Exceedances for the 2020–21 fiscal year were expected, and similar to the values reported by CNSC licensees’ environmental monitoring programs. No unexpected exceedances were noted. There were 3 exceedances at Port Hope Conversion Facility. Three fluoride concentrations measured in lake water samples were slightly above the CCME freshwater quality guideline for the protection of aquatic life but were below Health Canada's guidelines for drinking water quality and well below the CCME toxicity benchmark for sensitive aquatic biota. Thus, adverse effects are not expected. There were 26 exceedances at Cigar Lake out of 468 samples. The exceedances were selenium and polonium-210 in fish tissue samples collected at both the exposure station, which could potentially be impacted by the operation of the facility, and the reference station, which is not impacted by the operation of the facility. Thus, the exceedances are not attributed to the facility. These results were also within the natural background range for the region. Exceeding a guideline does not mean that there is an expected health impact; rather, it triggers a more in-depth assessment by CNSC staff to ensure that the health and safety of people and the environment are protected. In all noted cases, CNSC staff concluded that the public and environment are protected from ongoing releases from nuclear facilities and activities. More information in IEMP results for each site is available on the CNSC website.

Return to footnote 46 referrer

Footnote 47

In 2020–21, there were 3 occurrences of a worker exceeding a regulatory dose limit. The first instance involved a non-NEW who received an effective dose of 1.28 mSv, which exceeded the annual dose limit of 1 mSv/year. The second instance involved a non-NEW who received an effective dose of 1.3 mSv, which exceeded the annual dose limit of 1 mSv/year. This event was reported to the Commission in January 2021 in CMD 21-M10. The third instance involved a non-NEW who received an effective dose of 1.05 mSv, which exceeded the annual dose limit of 1 mSv/year. Note that there was a fourth event reported to the Commission in 2020/21, although the event occurred in 2019/20. This case involved a non-Nuclear Energy Worker (NEW) who recorded a non-occupational effective dose of 3.54 mSv on their dosimeter. This exceeded the annual dose limit for non-NEWs of 1 mSv/year.  This event was reported to the Commission in September 2020 in CMD 20-M27. In all cases, there was no health effect to the worker from the exposures.

Return to footnote 47 referrer

Footnote 48

The decrease in Indigenous participation in 2020–21 relative to 2019–20 is due to less overall total number of proceedings, including public proceedings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Return to footnote 48 referrer

Footnote 49

GC InfoBase, https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ems-sgd/edb-bdd/index-eng.html#start

Return to footnote 49 referrer

Footnote 50

GC InfoBase, https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ems-sgd/edb-bdd/index-eng.html#start

Return to first footnote 50 referrer

Footnote 51

Canadian Human Rights Commission, Pay Equity, https://www.payequitychrc.ca/en

Return to first footnote 51 referrer

Footnote 52

Public Accounts of Canada 2020–21, https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/cpc-pac/index-eng.html

Return to first footnote 52 referrer

Footnote 53

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Financial and performance reporting, /eng/resources/publications/reports/quarterly-financial-reports/index

Return to first footnote 53 referrer

Footnote 54

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, President, https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/about-us/organization/president

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Footnote 55

Natural Resources Canada, www.nrcan.gc.ca/home

Return to footnote 55 referrer

Footnote 56

Justice Laws Website, Nuclear Safety and Control Act, www.laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/N-28.3/

Return to footnote 56 referrer

Footnote 57

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Departmental Results Reports, https://www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca/eng/resources/publications/reports/departmental-results-reports/

Return to footnote 57 referrer

Footnote 58

Report on Federal Tax Expenditures, https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/federal-tax-expenditures.html

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Footnote 59

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca/

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