Memorandum of Understanding between the CNSC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada

In December 2013, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the CNSC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining areas for cooperation under the Fisheries Act. In August 2019, the new Fisheries Act came into force and introduced changes that required making amendments to the 2013 MOU. Under the 2019 Act, DFO now has greater capacity to undertake Fisheries Act authorization reviews. The 2023 MOU has been updated to place a greater focus on collaboration and information sharing between DFO and the CNSC.

The CNSC has always reviewed impacts to the environment, including impacts to fish and fish habitat, under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and will continue to do so. Under the MOU, the CNSC will ensure that its reviews take into consideration the requirements of the revised Fisheries Act.

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans remains accountable for decisions under the habitat provisions of the Fisheries Act and for protecting aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act.

Read the MOU