Letter to the Editor in response to the Opinion piece posted on March 15, 2025, "Canada must stop delaying resource projects"

March 18, 2025

Good afternoon,

The processes of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Canada’s nuclear regulator, are rigorous, fair and efficient. The Canadian government and society at large want us to get things done – and in a timely manner. This is what we do, in a way that will never compromise on safety and in a way that respects the interests of all Canadians, including Indigenous nations and communities.

This requires the submission of a complete application by a proponent, that can be fully assessed against the regulatory requirements. The timelines for the independent Commission proceedings for a licence application public hearing are then set and they ensure that members of the public and Indigenous participants have a fair opportunity to participate in the regulatory process.

The Commission Registry released the Notice of Hearing for the NexGen Rook I Project on March 11, 2025. The hearing is in two parts, with the first occurring virtually on November 19, 2025, and the second in Saskatoon, SK, the week of February 9, 2026. This timeline reflects an efficient and fair process that best serves safety for all.

Lisa Thiele

Vice-President, Legal and Commission Affairs & Senior General Counsel

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission