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Forward Regulatory Plan

This plan provides information on regulatory proposals that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) expects to bring forward over the next two years. It also identifies public consultation opportunities and a departmental contact point for each regulatory initiative.

Proposed Regulatory Initiatives

For more information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Ca nada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians Web sites.

Regulatory Initiative: Regulations Amending Several CNSC Regulations - Forward Regulatory Plan 2013-15

Title or working title of the regulatory initiative:
Regulations Amending Several CNSC Regulations

Description of the objective:
Following the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima, nuclear regulators around the world launched a comprehensive review of all their major nuclear facilities. As Canada's nuclear regulator, the CNSC established the CNSC Fukushima Task Force to review the capability of nuclear power plants, and other nuclear facilities across Canada, to withstand conditions comparable to those that triggered the Fukushima accident.

The Task Force reviewed the CNSC regulatory framework and processes, and confirmed that the Canadian regulatory framework is strong and comprehensive. Nevertheless, the Task Force identified and outlined a series of recommendations aimed at further enhancing the safety of nuclear facilities in Canada.

In response, the CNSC put in place an action plan and undertook a general review of all CNSC regulations. The review highlighted a number of desirable changes. Some were drawn from experience and lessons learned from the Fukushima accident; all of them were intended to further clarify regulatory requirements and enhance nuclear safety in Canada.

Indication of business impacts:
There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the small business lens may apply.

Public consultation opportunities:
A discussion paper will be published in 2013 to seek feedback from licensees, the Canadian public and other stakeholders on a comprehensive suite of proposed amendments to the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations, the Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations, the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations, the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations and the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations, as well as the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Rules of Procedure. The CNSC will take the feedback into account when developing the regulatory proposal for pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, prior to finalizing the proposal for consideration by the CNSC's Commission and the Governor in Council.

Departmental contact:
Colin Moses
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
613-995-5430

For more information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians Web sites.

Regulatory Initiative: Regulations Amending the Nuclear Security Regulations

Title or Working Title of the Regulatory Initiative
Regulations Amending the Nuclear Security Regulations

Description of the Objective
The Nuclear Security Regulations defines security-related information requirements for licensing and operation of certain nuclear facilities, including high-security sites. The regulations ensure that Canada continues to fulfill its international obligations for the security of nuclear and radioactive materials, both in Canada and internationally.

A review of the Nuclear Security Regulations has commenced. The last major revision to the regulations was completed in 2006. Since then, security threats, operational experience and technological advancements have evolved and there is a need to keep up with updated international recommendations, their guidance and best practices.

Indication of Business Impacts
There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or the small business lens may apply.

Public Consultation Opportunities
The CNSC seeks feedback from stakeholders as part of the regulatory review.

The CNSC will take the feedback into account when developing the regulatory proposal for pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, scheduled for 2017, prior to finalizing the proposal for consideration by the CNSC’s Commission and the Governor in Council.

Departmental Contact
Karen Owen-Whitred
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
Karen.Owen-Whitred@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
613-995-2933

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Regulatory Initiative: Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, 2014 - Forward Regulatory Plan 2013-14

Title or working title of the regulatory initiative:
Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, 2014

Description of the objective:
The CNSC regulates the packaging and transport of nuclear substances under the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations (PTNSR). These regulations are based on international standards for the safe transport of radioactive materials, as set out in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s TS-R-1 Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials.

The PTNSR currently reference the 1996 edition of TS-R-1. The CNSC is proposing amendments to the PTNSR to incorporate updates made in subsequent editions (2009, 2012) and to address issues that have arisen since the PTNSR came into force in January 2004.

The proposed amendments will ensure the PTNSR continue to meet international standards and remain clear and up to date.

Indication of business impacts:
There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or the small business lens may apply.

Public consultation opportunities:
A discussion paper DIS-12-06 was published in August 2012 to seek feedback from licensees, the Canadian public and other stakeholders on the CNSC's regulatory proposals to amend the PTNSR. The CNSC will take the feedback into account when developing the regulatory proposal for pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I prior to finalizing the proposal for consideration by the CNSC's Commission and the Governor in Council.

Departmental contact:
Colin Moses
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
613-995-5430

For more information

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians Web sites.

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Regulatory Initiative: Regulations Amending the Radiation Protection Regulations - Forward Regulatory Plan 2013-15

Title or working title of the regulatory initiative:
Regulations Amending the Radiation Protection Regulations

Description of the objective:
The current Radiation Protection Regulations (RPR) are based upon the 1991 recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP 60). Since that time, the ICRP has introduced new international standards and recommendations, which need to be incorporated into the Regulations to ensure they continue to meet international standards.

In April 2011, the CNSC established the CNSC Fukushima Task Force to evaluate the operational, technical and regulatory implications of the March 11, 2011, nuclear event in Japan in relation to Canadian nuclear power plants. The Task Force recommended that the Regulations be amended to be more consistent with international guidance and to describe the regulatory requirements needed to address radiological hazards during the phases of an emergency in greater detail.

Indication of business impacts:
There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the small business lens may apply.

Public consultation opportunities:
A discussion paper DIS-13-01 was published in August 2013 to seek feedback from licensees, the Canadian public and other stakeholders on the CNSC's regulatory proposals to amend these Regulations. The paper highlights a number of desirable changes to them, including harmonizing them with new international requirements, where appropriate, clarifying requirements and addressing gaps that were identified post Fukushima, as well as through lessons learned over time.

The CNSC will take the feedback into account when developing the regulatory proposal for pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, prior to finalizing the proposal for consideration by the CNSC's Commission and the Governor in Council.

Departmental contact:
Colin Moses
Director, Regulatory Framework Division
613-995-5430

For more information

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.

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