Domestic arrangements

Introduction

Section 21(1)( a) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) empowers the CNSC to enter into arrangements with any regulatory agency or department of a government or any international agency. At the domestic level, these arrangements include administrative arrangements (AA), letters of agreement (LOA), letters of understanding (LOU), memoranda of agreement (MOA), and memoranda of understanding (MOU). These arrangements (which are often MOUs) provide a framework for bilateral cooperation, and provide the participants with assurances regarding the security of information exchanged, as well as enhanced clarity about responsibilities regarding visits and costs related to cooperation initiatives, among other benefits. While these arrangements are not legally binding, they nonetheless represent serious political commitments. All arrangements are active unless otherwise indicated, including those with organizations whose names have changed since an arrangement was signed.

The following list is an overview of existing CNSC domestic arrangements:

• Federal Arrangements
• Provincial Arrangements
  • Ontario
  • New Brunswick
  • Saskatchewan

Federal Arrangements

October 2023 – MOU between the CNSC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
The MOU sets a framework for collaboration and the sharing of information for nuclear projects on matters related to fish and fish habitat through the coordination of regulatory activities under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, Fisheries Act and Species At Risk Act.

September 2023 – MOU between the CNSC and Health Canada
The participants agree to consult and cooperate in a number of areas, including: calibration services; occupational radiation exposure; environmental monitoring and environmental assessments; medical devices; investigations, tests and studies; federal, provincial, territorial and international committees; and nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

The updated MOU provides additional clarity on collaboration on internal and external dosimetry services and accessing, using and requesting assistance from each other’s laboratory.

July 2022 – MOU between the CNSC and Department of National Defence
The two organizations agree to cooperate on policies, programs, and projects, to share information where appropriate, and to identify opportunities for training and staff exchanges.

October 2019 – MOU between the CNSC and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (formerly the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
The MOU confirms the commitment of the participants to work collaboratively in conducting integrated impact assessments under the Impact Assessment Act The participants wish to ensure that the principle of “one project-one assessment” is followed in reviewing designated projects regulated by the CNSC, and that any reviews are conducted in an efficient and effective manner, without unnecessary delays or duplication of effort.

March 2018 – MOU between the CNSC and Transport Canada
The participants agree to cooperate for the transport of radioactive substances, including offering each other training on their respective acts and regulations and sharing information, including on policies and programs.

The revised MOU updates the previous document, which was signed in 2012.

October 2016 – MOU between the CNSC and the National Energy Board
The participants agree to cooperate and share information of mutual interest, to assist in the discharge of their respective mandates as well as to align their policies, procedures and processes.

May 2015 – MOU between the CNSC and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
The participants agree to cooperate on matters of mutual interest.

December 2013 – MOU between the CNSC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
The participants agree to coordinate regulatory reviews and decision-making for nuclear projects on matters related to fish and fish habitat.

June 2012 – MOU between the CNSC and Environment Canada (EC)
The document sets a framework for consultation and cooperation, to share information and coordinate inspections and regulatory action regarding licensees’ compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

July 2008 – MOU for the Centre for Security Science (PDF)
The document sets a framework for the implementation and conduct of public security, collaborative science and technology projects, activities and studies through the Centre for Security Science.

Partners: The CNSC, the Department of National Defence, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atomic Energy Canada Limited, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Communications Security Establishment Canada, Defence R&D Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Industry Canada, Infrastructure Canada, National Research Council Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Privy Council Office, Transport Canada, and the Treasury Board of Canada.

January 1993 – Administrative Arrangement between the CNSC (AECB) and the National Research Council (NRCC)
The document outlines the provision (by the NRCC) and use (by the CNSC) of Practical Reference Standards for quality assurance of external dosimetry services.

July 1977 – MOU between the CNSC (AECB) and Natural Resources Canada (Department of Energy, Mines and Resources – DEMR)
An umbrella MOU for cooperation and provision of advice and assistance from NRCan to the CNSC on a broad range of issues, such as geological and metallurgical matters.

Provincial Arrangements

Ontario

April 2017 – MOU between the CNSC and the Ontario Ministry of Labour
This document updates one originally signed in 2011, which described how the Ministry and the CNSC will cooperate and exchange information/data and technical expertise. The updated MOU adds provisions for sharing environmental monitoring data and samples, conducting laboratory analysis, and providing training.

March 2015 – MOU between the CNSC and the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
Nuclear emergency preparedness and response in Canada is a multi-jurisdictional responsibility shared by the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, and operators. This collective responsibility encompasses a wide range of contingency and response measures to prevent, correct, or eliminate accidents such as spills, abnormal situations and nuclear or radiological emergencies. In recognition of this responsibility, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management have updated and renewed a Memorandum of Understanding, originally signed in 2001, to help ensure close coordination before, during and after a nuclear or radiological emergency in Ontario, and for potential trans-boundary events.

New Brunswick

June 2012 – MOU between the CNSC and the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization
The participants agree to cooperate in addressing issues of nuclear safety regulation, public safety, and the protection of the environment with respect to the territory of the province of New Brunswick, including sharing information, improving nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

Saskatchewan

May 2024 – MOU between the CNSC and Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
The participants agree to collaborate on the decommissioning and reclamation of uranium mining facilities in Saskatchewan, including the provision of financial assurances.

February 2003 – Administrative Agreement between the CNSC and the province of Saskatchewan
The agreement covers the province’s ability to ensure compliance with the CNSC on the regulation of health, safety and the environment at Saskatchewan uranium mines and mills.  

This agreement resulted from the 2000 MOU.

October 2000 – MOU between the CNSC and the Government of Saskatchewan
The agreement covers the regulation of uranium mining and milling facilities in Saskatchewan, to ensure certain federal obligations are being met by the licensee.

This agreement resulted from the 2000 MOU.

November 1993 – MOU between the CNSC (AECB) and the Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
The participants agree to consult and cooperate to exchange information, avoid regulatory duplication, avoid conflict, and ensure consistency of implementation of regulations and licences.

For more information

• Government-Wide Forward Regulatory Plans
• The Cabinet Directive on Regulation
• Developing and improving federal regulations
• Canada–United States Regulatory Cooperation Council

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and the Government of Canada’s Open Government website under the "Find a Consultation" option.