Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission 2016–17 Departmental Results Report
ISSN 2561-1690
Catalogue number: CC171-31E-PDF
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources, 2017.
Table of Contents
President's Message
As President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), I am pleased to present our 2016–17 Departmental Results Report as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
In 2016–17, we have continued to implement our Strategic Planning Framework which guides our ongoing improvement efforts dealing with the changes taking place in the nuclear sector. Ensuring modern nuclear regulation, being a trusted regulator, increasing our global nuclear influence and improving our management effectiveness continue to be our priorities and will guide us in regulating the evolving nuclear sector.
As the CNSC is the regulator responsible for all nuclear activities in Canada, our work must reflect and anticipate a changing industry. We are committed to protecting health, safety, security and the environment.
This past year, the Commission held Part 1 of a two-part public hearing to consider the renewal of the nuclear power reactor operating licence for the Point Lepreau Generating Station in New Brunswick. It also issued a nuclear power reactor decommissioning licence for the Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station in Québec. The operating licence for the Port Hope Conversion Facility in Port Hope, Ontario was renewed for a 10-year period, and the licence for the Chalk River Laboratories site in Chalk River, Ontario was extended for a period of 17 months.
The CNSC has completed the groundwork it needed to prepare for Ontario Power Generation’s proposed Deep Geologic Repository in Kincardine, Ontario, which requires approval by the government. The CNSC is preparing for hearings in 2017–18 on the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) proposal for a Near Surface Disposal Facility and the re-licensing of CNL’s Chalk River facility. We are also preparing for Part 1 of the hearing on the refurbishment of Bruce Nuclear Generating Station.
In the fall of 2016, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development released an audit that examined the CNSC’s nuclear power plant site inspections. The audit found that when CNSC inspectors identified issues during site inspections, they followed up with the licensee to ensure compliance 100 percent of the time. However, the report recommended the need for better documentation. The CNSC took action to correct the situation as soon as it was brought to our attention. As of March 31, 2017, all five recommendations have been actioned and are complete as committed through our action plan.
On behalf of the CNSC, I wish to thank our staff, our licensees, our stakeholders and the public for their continued confidence and support in our efforts to regulate Canada’s nuclear industry and to keep Canada and Canadians safe. Rest assured that we will continue to be true to our goals and will never compromise safety.
Michael Binder
President
Results at a glance
Actual Spending
$137,126,030
Actual full-time employees (FTEs)
823
CNSC Priorities and Results
- Modern Nuclear Regulation
- Developed a science policy that articulates a clear description of how science is used in the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s decision making
- Trusted Regulator
- Made data from the Independent Environmental Monitoring Program available online in support of the Government of Canada’s Open Data initiative
- Global Nuclear Influence
- Participated in Integrated Regulatory Review Service missions to Lithuania, China, Estonia, Belarus and South Africa, and in the International Physical Protection Advisory Service missions to the United Kingdom, Albania, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates
- Management Effectiveness
- Modernized human resource, financial and information management/information technology service delivery through creating a career partnership initiative, developing a roadmap for the implementation of a new financial system, and expanding the use of tablets, respectively
For more information on the department’s plans, priorities and results achieved, see the “Results: what we achieved” section of this report.
Raison d’être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do
Raison d’être
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) was established on May 31, 2000, with the coming into force of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA). It replaced the Atomic Energy Control Board established in 1946 by the Atomic Energy Control Act.
The CNSC is a departmental corporation listed in Schedule II of the Financial Administration Act and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources.
Mandate and role
Under the NSCA, the CNSC:
- regulates the development, production and use of nuclear energy in Canada to protect health, safety, security and the environment
- regulates the production, possession, use and transport of nuclear substances, and the production, possession and use of prescribed equipment and prescribed information
- implements measures respecting international control of the development, production, transport and use of nuclear energy and substances, including measures respecting the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear explosive devices
- is responsible for disseminating objective scientific, technical and regulatory information concerning the CNSC’s activities, and about how the development, production, possession, transport and use of nuclear substances affect the environment and the health and safety of persons
Operating context and key risks
Operating context
To deliver on its mandate effectively, the CNSC continuously monitors the external environment to ensure it is ready to adapt to changes that may impact its priorities. Of particular focus are changes brought about by the nuclear industry, and through the domestic and international political contexts.
In Canada, in the near-term, the nuclear industry will be driven primarily by the planned refurbishments of the Darlington and Bruce nuclear generating stations, as committed to by the Ontario government in the province’s Long-Term Energy Plan, as well as by the potential extension of operations of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
In addition to refurbishments, significant decommissioning efforts are being undertaken at the Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station in Quebec, Whiteshell Laboratories in Manitoba, and the Nuclear Power Demonstration reactor in Ontario. There may also be changes related to long-term storage of nuclear waste in Canada. In this regard, the Government of Canada is expected to make a decision on Ontario Power Generation’s proposed Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for low- and intermediate-level waste, while the Nuclear Waste Management Organization continues its process to identify a deep geological repository location for Canada’s high-level radioactive waste.
Other areas of change within Canada’s nuclear industry are the upcoming shutdown of the National Research Universal reactor at Chalk River, the shift to alternative means of medical isotope production, and the continued progress towards the realization of small modular reactors (SMRs), with several SMR vendors bringing their designs forward to the CNSC for initial reviews.
There have also been shifts in the policy landscape that may impact the CNSC’s activities. To that end, the CNSC is closely monitoring the potential impacts of the Government of Canada’s efforts to address climate change and the country’s carbon footprint, review Canada’s environmental assessment processes, and renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples. Internationally, the new United States administration may set a different course, and such change may carry global implications in key areas such as energy policy, environmental protection and non-proliferation.
The global push for clean and reliable energy continues following the 2015 Paris Agreement. On November 30, 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada’s participation in Mission Innovation. The project is a global initiative in which countries work together to accelerate clean energy innovation for clean energy resources and projects, which includes nuclear projects. At the same time, the International Energy Agency projects a 30-percent rise in global energy demand by 2040. For large emerging economies such as China and India, nuclear energy will play an important role in reducing emissions. Finally, continued vigilance is required in monitoring evolving threats to nuclear security. Efforts are being made both at home and abroad to strengthen nuclear security systems to counter the threats of nuclear terrorism, cyberattacks and proliferation.
Key risks
| Risks | Risk response strategy | Link to the department’s Programs | Link to departmental priorities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear reactor accident: there is a risk of an accident at a nuclear reactor |
Departmental tolerance:
Risk mitigation strategies:
Control effectiveness:
| Nuclear Reactors | Departmental priority – Modern Nuclear Regulation |
| Lost or stolen nuclear substances and transportation accidents: there is a risk of a loss of regulatory controls over nuclear substances and accidents in transport |
Departmental tolerance:
Risk mitigation strategies:
Control effectiveness:
| Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment | Departmental Priority – Modern Nuclear Regulation |
| Malevolent activities: there is a risk of malevolent activities and diversion of nuclear materials, equipment and technology of Canadian origin |
Departmental tolerance:
Risk mitigation strategies:
Control effectiveness:
| Nuclear Non-Proliferation | Departmental Priority – Global Nuclear Influence |
Risk management is a fundamental part of the CNSC’s mission to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.
The CNSC operates in an environment driven by factors that are not all under its control. Although it has a comprehensive regulatory oversight regime, unplanned events may occur. Given this possibility, the CNSC maintains strong controls to mitigate risks that the organization or stakeholders may face. The CNSC’s Management Committee receives updates on the progress of risk-mitigation strategies on a semi-annual basis. Risk mitigation strategies for the 2016–17 fiscal year are ongoing, on track, or complete.
During the 2017–18 fiscal year, CNSC staff will update the CNSC’s Enterprise Risk Profile to reflect new external and internal conditions that drive these risks and will develop strategies to mitigate changing conditions such as aging facilities and outside threats. Risk mitigation strategies will continue to be integrated into organizational strategic planning and reporting.
Results: what we achieved
Programs
Program 1.1 Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Description
This program aims to regulate facilities associated with the nuclear fuel cycle (uranium mines and mills, nuclear processing facilities, and nuclear waste management facilities) to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment in a manner consistent with Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The program regulates all the lifecycle stages for these facilities – from site preparation through construction and operation, to decommissioning (or long-term management, in the case of some nuclear waste facilities). The licensing and compliance activities associated with this program are all managed through a risk-informed and performance-based approach. Compliance verification is conducted against established criteria consistent with the licensing basis of the facility. The results of regulatory activities associated with this program are communicated to the public on a regular basis. The program is guided by a management system and is based on fundamental safety principles for continuous improvement.
Results
- The Commission issued a renewal licence for the Port Hope Conversion Facility
- Monitored construction on the Long-Term Waste Management Facility of the Port Hope Area Initiative, which is an ongoing multi-year construction/remediation project
- Completed a technical review of additional information supplied by Ontario Power Generation for its DGR, as per the Minister’s request
- Communicated the Commission’s decision on the scope of the environmental assessment process for three proposed decommissioning projects: Chalk River Laboratories (Ontario), Whiteshell Laboratories (Manitoba), and the Nuclear Power Demonstration reactor (Ontario) on March 8, 2017
- Assessed the environmental impact statement and licensing documentation for the Near Surface Disposal Facility at Chalk River Laboratories
- Released REGDOC-3.1.2, Reporting Requirements for Non-Power Reactor Class I Nuclear Facilities and Uranium Mines and Mills, for consultation; the document provides guidance for licensee reporting
- Drafting a “What we heard” report as part of the preliminary development of the regulations on radioactive waste management and decommissioning; the report is expected to be published in the fall of 2017
- The U.S. Court ruled in favour of the project to repatriate highly enriched uranium in liquid form to the United States, concluding that the U.S. Department of Energy followed all of the necessary procedures to demonstrate that the material can be transported safely. CNSC activities to ensure safety of the highly enriched uranium shipments are described in the section on the Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment program
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium mines and mills, nuclear processing facilities, and nuclear waste management facilities are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Number of radiation exposures over the allowable dose limits for nuclear energy workers and members of the public | 0 | Annually | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Number of radiological releases to the environment above regulatory limits | 0 | Annually | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016–17 Main Estimates | 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Total authorities available for use | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11,784,983 | 12,791,173 | 12,635,480 | 11,570,635 | (1,220,538) |
The difference between planned versus actual spending is mainly due to reduced spending on salaries as a result of delays in staffing and the deferral of the payment of retroactive salary costs. The differences at the sub-program level are a result of a reallocation of resources across the sub-programs to meet changing oversight demands in the industry sectors.
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 71 | (9) |
Sub-Program 1.1.1: Uranium Mines and Mills
Description
This sub-program regulates all phases of uranium mining and milling in Canada (including site preparation, from construction and operation to decommissioning). The licensing process follows the stages laid out in the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations. At each licensing stage, the CNSC determines whether the licence applicant is qualified and will adequately provide for the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment. Compliance activities are applied to operating and decommissioned mines and mills. These activities include facility inspections, review of licensee reports, and environmental, radiation and conventional health and safety data analysis.
The stakeholders associated with this sub-program are primarily uranium mines and mills. Currently, operating uranium mines and mills are located in Saskatchewan.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium mines and mills are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of uranium mines and mills facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 4,860,307 | 3,678,239 | (1,182,068) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 22 | (9) |
Sub-Program 1.1.2: Nuclear Processing Facilities
Description
This sub-program regulates all phases of nuclear processing in Canada (including site preparation, from construction and operation to decommissioning). Nuclear processing facilities process nuclear substances – either as part of the nuclear fuel cycle, or for other industrial or medical uses. The licensing process follows the stages laid out in the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations. At each licensing stage, the CNSC determines whether the licence applicant is qualified and will adequately provide for the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment. Compliance activities are applied to operating and decommissioned processing facilities. These activities include facility inspections, review of licensee reports, and environmental, radiation, and conventional health and safety data analysis.
The stakeholders associated with this sub-program are primarily licensees associated with uranium refineries, uranium conversion facilities, nuclear fuel fabrication facilities, tritium light source facilities and medical radioisotope processing facilities.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear processing facilities are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of nuclear processing facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,531,002 | 3,364,277 | 833,275 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 21 | 5 |
Sub-Program 1.1.3: Nuclear Waste Management Facilities
Description
This sub-program regulates all phases of nuclear waste management facilities in Canada which process, store or dispose of nuclear waste (including site preparation, from construction and operation to decommissioning and long-term storage). Nuclear waste is defined as any material (liquid, gas or solid) that contains a radioactive nuclear substance (defined in the Nuclear Safety and Control Act) and which the owner has determined to be waste. Nuclear waste management is regulated through the policies, legislation and responsible organizations set in place to govern the management of radioactive waste in Canada, and outlined in the Government of Canada’s Radioactive Waste Policy Framework.
At each licensing stage, the CNSC determines whether the licence applicant is qualified and will adequately provide for the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment. Compliance activities are applied to operating and decommissioned processing facilities. Compliance activities include facility inspections, review of licensee reports, and environmental, radiation, and conventional health and safety data analysis.
The stakeholders associated with this sub-program are primarily licensees associated with nuclear waste management facilities, categorized by the type of waste managed (low-, intermediate- or high-level radioactive waste).
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear waste management facilities are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of nuclear waste management facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,399,864 | 4,528,119 | (871,745) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 28 | (5) |
Program 1.2 Nuclear Reactors
Description
This program aims to regulate facilities associated with nuclear energy (nuclear power plants and research reactors), to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment in a manner consistent with Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The program regulates all the lifecycle stages for nuclear power and research reactors, from site preparation, construction, and operation, to the decommissioning of the facility and abandoning the site (once commercial operations are ended). The licensing and compliance activities associated with this program are all managed through a risk-informed and performance-based approach. Compliance verification is conducted against established criteria consistent with the licensing basis of the facility. The results of all the regulatory activities associated with this program are communicated to the public on a regular basis. The program is guided by a management system and is based on fundamental safety principles for continuous improvement.
Results
- The CNSC Executive Vice-President led a 10-day Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission to China, after which the team concluded that China’s regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety is effective, but requires further development due to rapid nuclear energy growth
- Darlington Nuclear Generating Station’s integrated implementation plan was completed and is being monitored as part of the CNSC’s normal compliance oversight
- Bruce Power’s periodic safety review for its nuclear generating stations was submitted and is currently under review
- In June 2016, the Commission issued its decision to grant a nuclear power reactor decommissioning licence to Hydro-Québec for the Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station
- The regulatory strategy for safe storage at, and decommissioning of, the Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station was completed
- The Commission held Part 1 of a public hearing in January 2017 on New Brunswick Power’s application for a five-year renewal of its nuclear power reactor operating licence for the Point Lepreau Generating Station; Part 2 of the public hearing was held in May 2017 and the Commission issued a decision in June 2017
- Started the periodic safety review of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station as part of preparations for continued operations
- The Operational Safety Review Team mission at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station was completed in October 2016
- Following a public hearing, the Commission issued a decision in July 2016 to amend Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ nuclear research and test establishment licence for the Chalk River Laboratories site and extend it for a period of 17 months
- The CNSC conducted a pre-licensing vendor design review on three small modular reactor designs with respect to their acceptability under Canadian requirements, codes and standards; four more designs are expected to be reviewed in 2017–18
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear power reactors and research reactors are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Number of radiation exposures over the allowable dose limits for nuclear energy workers and members of the public | 0 | Annually | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Number of radiological releases to the environment above regulatory limits | 0 | Annually | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016–17 Main Estimates | 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Total authorities available for use | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39,242,207 | 42,592,667 | 41,787,862 | 41,057,571 | (1,535,096) |
The difference between planned versus actual spending is mainly due to reduced spending on salaries as a result of delays in staffing and the deferral of the payment of retroactive salary costs.
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 267 | 261 | (6) |
Sub-Program 1.2.1: Nuclear Power Plants
Description
This sub-program regulates all the lifecycle stages for nuclear power plants in Canada (from site preparation, construction and operation, to decommissioning and abandonment once operations are ended). Nuclear power plants generate electricity for public and industrial consumption. The CNSC’s licensing of nuclear power plants is comprehensive and covers 14 separate topics referred to as safety and control areas. The licensing process provides assurance that the applicant is qualified and implements appropriate measures to assure safety and security of the facility. After a licence is issued, the CNSC stringently evaluates compliance to ensure that the licence holder meets its responsibilities. In addition to having a team of onsite inspectors, CNSC staff with specific technical expertise regularly visit the plants, to verify that operators are meeting the regulatory requirements and licence conditions.
The stakeholders associated with this sub-program are primarily nuclear power plant licensees: Bruce Power Inc., Ontario Power Generation Inc., New Brunswick Power Corporation and Hydro-Québec.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear power plants are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of nuclear power plant facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 100%* | 100% | 100% |
| *100% was reached for Nuclear Power Plants for the calendar year 2016. The ratings for calendar year 2017 will be finalized in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018–19. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 35,751,512 | 35,019,994 | (731,518) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 223 | 221 | (3) |
Sub-Program 1.2.2: Research Reactors
Description
This sub-program regulates all the lifecycle stages for research reactors in Canada (from site preparation, construction and operation, to decommissioning and abandonment once operations are ended). Research reactors help scientific research, conduct non-destructive testing and produce radioactive substances for medical, industrial and scientific use. The CNSC’s licensing of research reactors is comprehensive and covers 14 separate topics referred to as safety and control areas. The CNSC assesses licence applications to ensure that safety and control measures are technically and scientifically sound, that all requirements are met, and that the appropriate safety systems are in place to protect people and the environment. After a licence is issued, the CNSC stringently evaluates compliance. CNSC staff with specific technical expertise regularly visit the sites, to verify that operators are meeting the regulatory requirements and licence conditions.
The stakeholders associated with this sub-program are primarily research reactor licensees: the National Research Universal reactor, the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, and the SLOWPOKE reactors.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research reactors are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of research reactor facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 6,841,155 | 6,037,577 | (803,578) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 40 | (4) |
Program 1.3 Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment
Description
This program aims to provide assurance to the Canadian public that nuclear substances and prescribed equipment are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment, in a manner consistent with Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The CNSC issues certificates for the design of radiation devices and prescribed equipment to ensure their safe use and issues licences for the safe handling and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and prescribed equipment. In addition, the CNSC certifies radiography device operators, who must be certified to use exposure devices, as well as certain radiation safety officers. The CNSC monitors the regulated activities to ensure the safety of workers and the general public, and to protect the environment. The licences issued are categorized depending on the type of licensed activity, nuclear substances and prescribed equipment being used, as well as the risk involved. The regulated activities for which these licences are issued are related to four distinct stakeholder groups: medical, industrial, commercial, as well as academic and research. Each of these groups uses nuclear substances and prescribed equipment in their work. Compliance activities are conducted by the CNSC to monitor safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The licensing and compliance activities associated with this program are all managed through a risk-informed and performance-based approach. Compliance verification is conducted against established criteria consistent with the licensing basis of the activity being regulated. The results of regulatory activities associated with this program are communicated to the public and other stakeholders on a regular basis. The program is guided by a management system, and is based on fundamental safety principles for continuous improvement.
Results
- Developed a phased implementation strategy to streamline and minimize the administrative burden of the application process, increase security of the CNSC-issued licence, and consolidate and update use types
- Enhanced review and follow-up of events involving nuclear substances by implementing a procedure for recording triaging events
- Became the first nuclear regulator among the G7 countries to develop a national registry and implement a Web-based tracking system, along with enhanced export and import controls for high-risk sealed sources; this was achieved as part of the implementation of REGDOC-2.12.3, Security of Nuclear Substances: Sealed Sources
- Inventories for fixed gauges and consolidated licensees are closely tracked and no additional action to enhance regulatory controls of inventories of disused and historical sources is required
- An application was approved for a transport licence for highly enriched uranyl nitrate liquid (HEUNL); Canadian Nuclear Laboratories had submitted the application following the rigorous process of transport package certification under the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations 2015 and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations; shipments of repatriated HEUNL have since been underway, and the CNSC has ensured that they are carried out safely
- Conducted 10 outreach events as part of a comprehensive outreach program to licensees of nuclear substances and prescribed equipment
| Sub-program | Number of licensees |
|---|---|
| Medical | 470 |
| Industrial | 1,308 |
| Academic and research | 208 |
| Commercial | 247 |
| Total | 2,233 |
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear substances and prescribed equipment are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Number of radiation exposures over the allowable dose limits for nuclear energy workers and members of the public | 0 | Annually | 3* | 0 | 1 |
| Number of radiological releases to the environment above regulatory limits | 0 | Annually | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
*One member of the public received a dose above the regulatory limit. (See the note on transport incidents for further information.) The incident occurred on September 24, 2016 and was reported to Commission on December 14, 2016. One nuclear energy worker received a dose to the hands on October 28, 2016. The incident was reported to Commission on December 14, 2016. One nuclear energy worker received a dose to hands on March 1, 2017. The incident was reported to Commission on April 12, 2017. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Main Estimates | 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Total authorities available for use | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,161,854 | 13,200,221 | 15,698,512 | 13,395,547 | 195,326 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 83 | 85 | 2 |
Sub-Program 1.3.1: Medical Sector
Description
This sub-program aims to regulate the production, possession and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and other prescribed equipment in Canada as it relates to the medical sector.
The medical sector uses nuclear substances and nuclear energy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Medical applications using radiopharmaceuticals are designed to target specific tissues and organs, delivering nuclear substances to specific areas of the body. Radiopharmaceuticals are widely used in the diagnosis of heart disease and cancer. Nuclear energy (produced by nuclear substances and particle accelerators) is used for radiation therapy, to treat various types of cancers and other diseases.
Licences and certificates are issued for the safe handling and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and other prescribed equipment in this area. Compliance activities are conducted to monitor safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear substances and prescribed equipment used in the medical sector are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of medical facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 98.68%* | 99% | 2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture which did not include this indicator |
*Percentage is based on total percentage of facilities licenced by the Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment program. No breakdown by sector is available. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 3,015,789 | 3,163,007 | 147,218 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | 20 | 2 |
Sub-Program 1.3.2: Industrial Sector
Description
This sub-program aims to regulate the production, possession and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and prescribed equipment in Canada, as it relates to the industrial sector.
The industrial sector uses nuclear substances for various purposes, ranging from civil engineering work, measurement and control, to the delivery of services such as industrial radiography and oil well logging. These nuclear substances are found in radiation devices, such as fixed nuclear gauges (which monitor production processes in the pulp and paper industry), portable nuclear gauges (which measure moisture and density in soil and the compaction of asphalt in road construction) and in radiography devices (used for materials analysis). The production of several day-to-day commodities (such as smoke detectors) also requires the aid of nuclear substances, whose use is regulated by the CNSC.
Licences are issued for the safe handling and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and other prescribed equipment in this area. Compliance activities are conducted to monitor safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear substances and prescribed equipment used in the industrial sector are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of industrial facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 98.68%* | 99% | 2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture which did not include this indicator |
*Percentage is based on total percentage of facilities licenced by the Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment program. No breakdown by sector is available. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,192,591 | 5,583,468 | 390,877 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 36 | 4 |
Sub-Program 1.3.3: Commercial Sector
Description
This sub-program aims to regulate the production, possession, and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and prescribed equipment in Canada, as it relates to the commercial sector.
The commercial sector focuses primarily on the production and sale of nuclear substances and the third-party servicing and distribution of radiation devices and other prescribed equipment (such as particle accelerators). Nuclear substances are found in many products used to protect the health and safety of Canadians (including smoke detectors, self-lighting exit signs and security-screening equipment). Such devices may not require a licence for possession by the end-user; however, their manufacturing and initial distribution in Canada are licensed by the CNSC.
Licences and certificates are issued for the safe handling and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and other prescribed equipment in this area. Compliance activities are conducted to monitor the safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear substances and prescribed equipment used in the commercial sector are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of commercial facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 98.68%* | 99% | 2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture which did not include this indicator |
*Percentage is based on total percentage of facilities licenced by the Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment program. No breakdown by sector is available. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,347,610 | 1,277,519 | (70,091) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | (1) |
Sub-Program 1.3.4: Academic and Research Sector
Description
This sub-program aims to regulate the production, possession and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and other prescribed equipment in Canada, as related to the academic and research sector.
The academic and research sector focuses primarily on biological and biomedical research with open-source radioisotopes. The sector also employs research particle accelerators and research irradiators. Nuclear substances found in the academic field include those used in irradiators, which irradiate cells or samples in research laboratories. Particle accelerators are used for research in the fields of subatomic physics, materials and biomedicine and may also generate some nuclear materials for medical and research facilities. Nuclear substances are used in teaching and research laboratories for diverse activities such as gas chromatography, which analyzes environmental samples.
Licences are issued for the safe handling and use of nuclear substances, radiation devices and other prescribed equipment in this area. Compliance activities are conducted to monitor safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear substances and prescribed equipment for use in the academic and research sector are regulated to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Percentage of academic and research facilities that receive a rating of satisfactory or above | 100% | Annually | 98.68%* | 99% | 2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture which did not include this indicator |
*Percentage is based on total percentage of facilities licenced by the Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment program. No breakdown by sector is available. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,552,512 | 1,227,800 | (324,712) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7 | (3) |
Sub-Program 1.3.5: Packaging and Transport
Description
This sub-program aims to regulate the packaging and transport of nuclear substances in Canada. The CNSC’s packaging and transport regulations are based on international transport regulations published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ensuring a high level of safety of persons and to the environment.
The CNSC certifies package designs requiring competent authority approval in Canada and worldwide, and requires the registration of those packages prior to their use in Canada, as a way of ensuring the safe packaging and transport of nuclear substances. Other regulatory requirements (such as labelling, documentation, quality assurance program and radiation protection program for carriers) exist to further strengthen transport safety.
The CNSC issues transport licences for specific circumstances; however, transport activities are generally exempt from CNSC licensing. Compliance activities are conducted to monitor safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear substances are packaged and transported safely to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment | Number of incidents in transport resulting in an individual receiving a dose above the limit for members of the public of one millisievert per year | 100% | Annually | 1* | 0 | 2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture which did not include this indicator |
*Members of the public received unnecessary doses as a result of being passengers in a vehicle that was also transporting packages containing nuclear substances in non-compliance with regulatory requirements. This incident was presented to the Commission on December 14, 2016. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,578,840 | 1,972,206 | 393,366 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 13 | 2 |
Sub-Program 1.3.6: Dosimetry Services
Description
This sub-program licenses dosimetry service providers under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and the CNSC Radiation Protection Regulations. Each dosimetry service provider must meet the technical and quality assurance requirements outlined in the CNSC’s Technical and Quality Assurance Standards for Dosimetry Services. Compliance activities are conducted to monitor safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Dosimetry service providers are either commercial service providers, which service external clients, or in-house service providers, which are nuclear licensees with the capability of providing dosimetry services for their own employees and visitors.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dosimetry services are regulated to protect the health and safety of nuclear energy workers | Percentage of independent tests passed by licensees | 100% | Annually | 100% | External radiation: 100% Internal radiation: 98% Radon progeny: 100%* | 2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture which did not include this indicator |
*External radiation: independent test for dosimeters that are used to measure doses associated with external exposure to radiation. Internal radiation: independent test for in vitro and in vivo measurements associated with internal exposure to radiation. Radon progeny: independent test for instruments that measure exposure to radon progeny. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 512,879 | 171,547 | (341,332) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | (2) |
Program 1.4 Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Description
This program aims to provide assurance to both the Canadian public and the international community that the development, production and use of nuclear energy and nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information is safe and secure, and conform with control measures and international obligations and commitments to which Canada has agreed, including those under the . Under its mandate, the CNSC implements measures of control respecting nuclear non-proliferation, including domestic and international arrangements, International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, and assessments and authorizations of exports and imports of nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information (technology).
Results
- The IAEA, CNSC and nuclear facilities agreed upon state-level safeguards approaches
- CNSC staff provided support to the CNSC’s Executive Vice-President in his role as President of the 7th Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety
- The CNSC supported the Government of Canada’s establishment and implementation of new or amended bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements, including:
- Bilateral Administrative Arrangement (AA) between CNSC and CNCAN/Romania, signed and in effect (December 2016)
- AA consultations between CNSC and Rosatom/Russian Federation (December 2016)
- AA and Nuclear Cooperation Agreement bilateral consultations between Canada and China (CAEA) (March 2017)
- Under the Canada-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, the CNSC hosted the annual meeting of the Canada-India Joint Committee in Ottawa; the CNSC also implemented provisions with respect to export authorizations for Canadian-origin uranium ore concentrates to India
- The CNSC, in partnership with Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science, and in cooperation with other federal departments and agencies, is leading a national project to identify options and to develop a strategy to formalize an operational national nuclear forensics capability on behalf of the Government of Canada
- The CNSC is providing training sessions for inspectors, developing new safeguards technology and equipment, improving nuclear material evaluation techniques, and supporting IAEA technical working groups on safeguards to advance the evolution and improve the application of safeguards in Canada and abroad
- The CNSC brought the CNSC Import Program onboard to the Canadian Border Services Agency’s Single Window Initiative and made the Single Window Initiative electronic channel operational
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assurance to the Canadian public and international community that nuclear energy, nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information are used for peaceful purposes, and do not contribute to threats to nuclear non-proliferation and radiological safety or security | Maintain IAEA safeguards broader conclusion (the IAEA concludes that there was no diversion of declared nuclear material, and no indication of undeclared nuclear material or nuclear activity) | 100%* | June 30 of each fiscal year | 100% | 100% | 100% |
*100% means Canada maintains the IAEA safeguards broader conclusion that there was no diversion of declared nuclear material, and no indication of undeclared nuclear material or nuclear activity | ||||||
| 2016–17 Main Estimates | 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Total authorities available for use | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,442,749 | 6,992,824 | 6,860,691 | 5,327,246 | (1,665,578) |
The difference between planned and actual spending in this program is primarily due to a decrease in actual expenditures in the Safeguards sub-program because of reduced spending on salaries as a result of delays in staffing and the deferral of the payment of retroactive salary costs.
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 31 | (5) |
Sub-Program 1.4.1: Domestic and International Arrangements
Description
This sub-program aims to establish and maintain domestic and international arrangements – in collaboration with other organizations within Canada and abroad – to implement measures of control and international obligations to which Canada has agreed.
The CNSC negotiates administrative arrangements with domestic and international organizations to align regulatory systems and processes, to comply with and maintain international commitments, and to implement measures pursuant to Canada’s nuclear non-proliferation policy. These measures include bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with Canada’s nuclear trading partners. The CNSC is also responsible for the administration and implementation of the nuclear security programs, and other supporting nuclear security requirements and guidance related to domestic and international activities.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Establish, maintain and implement domestic and international arrangements concerning the control of nuclear energy, including those pertaining to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the international transfer of nuclear goods, and regulatory cooperation on nuclear safety | Percentage of annual inventory reports of Canadian obligated nuclear goods and technology that are confirmed as meeting CNSC requirements | 100% | Annually | 100% | 100% | Not available* |
*2014-15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,091,504 | 1,175,860 | 84,356 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 1 |
Sub-Program 1.4.2: Safeguards
Description
This sub-program activity area aims to maintain the IAEA’s broader conclusion for Canada, by ensuring that Canada’s obligations under the Canada-IAEA Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol are met. The broader conclusion is an annual statement by the IAEA that over a given year there was no diversion of declared nuclear material and no indication of undeclared nuclear material or nuclear activity. The Safeguards Agreement (1972) and the Additional Protocol (2000) are treaty-level instruments between the Government of Canada and the IAEA requiring Canada to accept and facilitate IAEA safeguards on all nuclear material and certain specific nuclear activities. The signing of the Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA was required by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, while the Additional Protocol is a voluntary safeguards-strengthening instrument.
The CNSC maintains the IAEA broader conclusion for Canada – achieved annually since 2005 –to provide assurances to Canadians and the international community of the absence of undeclared nuclear materials and activities in Canada. The attainment of the broader safeguards conclusion was the prerequisite for the introduction of an integrated safeguards regime in Canada, which allows the IAEA to adjust its technical objectives for Canada, increasing the efficiency of the national overall inspection effort without undermining effective safeguards implementation. This, in turn, allows the IAEA to dedicate resources to areas of greater proliferation concern.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provide assurance to Canadians and the international community on the absence of declared nuclear material diversion, and the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Canada | Percentage of nuclear material reports submitted that are confirmed as meeting requirements with Canada’s international commitments | 100% | Annually | 100% | 99% | Not available* |
*2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,988,915 | 934,749 | (2,054,166) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 5 | (8) |
Sub-Program 1.4.3: Import-Export
Description
This sub-program activity area establishes controls on the exports and imports of nuclear substances, equipment and information (technology), through licensing, compliance and counter-proliferation measures. The objective is to ensure that nuclear goods and technology are transferred internationally solely for peaceful purposes and do not contribute to threats to nuclear non-proliferation or security. Controls are implemented consistent with requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), other relevant national legislation, international standards and guidelines to which Canada adheres (e.g., Nuclear Suppliers Group Guidelines, or IAEA codes of conduct) and Canadian nuclear non-proliferation policy (e.g., Nuclear Cooperation Agreement provisions).
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear goods are exported solely for peaceful purposes | Percentage of goods exported solely for peaceful purposes | 100% | Annually | 100% | 10% | 100% |
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,912,405 | 3,216,637 | 304,232 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 19 | 2 |
Program 1.5 Scientific, Technical, Regulatory and Public Information
Description
This program aims to inform the Canadian public – including Canadian nuclear licensees, vendors, academic community, special interest groups, Indigenous groups, other government departments, other jurisdictions and international organizations – that nuclear facilities and activities are being used safely, in adherence with regulatory requirements and best available scientific and technical information. This program is realized through the processes of generating scientific and technical information, institutionalizing the information within the regulatory framework, and disseminating the information through a variety of channels and engagement practices.
Results
- Engaged major stakeholders at the annual Canadian Nuclear Association conference, as well as at CSA Group and CANDU Operators Group meetings to discuss the CNSC’s regulatory framework plan for fiscal years 2018–19 to 2020–21. The Plan is posted on the website and comments are welcome at any time
- Proceeding with regulatory amendment projects, as part of the Regulatory Modernization initiative
- Made data available in support of Open Government efforts while developing new communications products, such as interactive modules, new data postings to the Independent Environmental Monitoring Program interactive map, and new videos
- Continued implementation of the CNSC Research Plan, which executed 92 percent of its budget forecast; 26 research projects were funded under the CNSC’s Research and Support Program
- Participated in governing committees of the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology program
- Published 20 papers and abstracts to the scientific and technical pages of the CNSC website to promote the CNSC as an authoritative source for scientific information on nuclear safety
- Published or completed 8 regulatory documents
- Completed 141 outreach activities, which included: 16 youth-related events, 17 waste-related events, 39 events focused on CNSC licensees, 45 events focused on communities with nuclear facilities, 8 events related to environmental issues and 16 medical-related events
- Participated in nearly 40 outreach, engagement and consultation meetings with Indigenous groups
- Benchmarked the CNSC hearing and meeting processes against other administrative processes of other quasi-judicial tribunals to identify ways to improve public participation
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific, technical and regulatory information is delivered to inform the Canadian public on the effectiveness of Canada’s nuclear regulatory regime | Number of views of CNSC web pages related to this program | Baseline being developed | Annually | 16,321** | 5,247,516 | Not available* |
| Number of public requests for information (non-ATIP) or outreach support | Baseline being developed | Annually | 1,700 | 1,521 | Not available* | |
*The 2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture **The CNSC refined its methodology for page views | ||||||
| 2016–17 Main Estimates | 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Total authorities available for use | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26,840,929 | 29,176,241 | 28,467,289 | 24,375,420 | (4,800,821) |
The difference between planned and actual spending is primarily the result of delays in staffing and the deferral of the payment of retroactive salary costs, as well as a result of a review of activities subject to cost recovery.
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 155 | 128 | (27) |
Sub-Program 1.5.1: Regulatory Framework
Description
This sub-program develops and makes improvements to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s regulatory framework. The regulatory framework includes the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and its associated regulations, the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act, federal environmental legislation, regulatory documents outlining requirements and guidance, and nuclear standards developed by the CSA Group (formerly named the Canadian Standards Association). The framework also takes into account Government of Canada regulatory policy guidance, as well as the views of stakeholders and the general public.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory requirements and guidance supports nuclear safety | Licensee views on clarity of the regulatory framework Measure: Percentage of licensees, broken down by service line/sub-program, agreeing the regulatory framework is clear, based on survey focus group of individuals responsible for licence submissions | Baseline being developed | Every three years | Not available** | Not available** | Not available* |
*2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture **Data was not collected due to a resource focus on completing the elements that comprise the CNSC regulatory framework, and the development of a performance measurement program for the CNSC regulatory framework in 2015–16. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 17,890,035 | 11,923,881 | (5,966,154) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | 78 | (34) |
Sub-Program 1.5.2: Scientific and Technical Information
Description
This sub-program explains the scientific knowledge basis for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s regulatory positions. This sub-program is related to the Research sub-program by using scientific and technical information generated from outside sources (contracts, contribution agreements and grants) as well as inside sources (CNSC staff research and analysis) to provide a reasonable base for the systematic review of existing and new scientific information supporting the regulatory decision making by the Commission and its delegated authorities. This assessment of scientific information is adapted, customized and translated for use by stakeholders, including the nuclear technical community (such as nuclear safety experts and academia), nuclear licensees, vendors, special interest groups, Indigenous groups, other government departments, other jurisdictions, international organizations (such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Energy Agency), and the general public.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific and technical information supports regulatory decision-making | Number of papers and conference presentations by CNSC staff | Baseline being developed | Annually | 71 | 29** | Not available* |
*2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture **In 2015-16, only papers and presentations posted to the external website were recorded | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,392,540 | 6,381,418 | 988,878 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | 36 | (10) |
Sub-Program 1.5.3: Research
Description
This sub-program conducts research to generate objective scientific and technical information to address gaps and uncertainties in the CNSC’s knowledge base, through the administration of contracts, contribution agreements and grants. CNSC staff and management benefit directly from this research. Other beneficiaries include: the nuclear technical community (nuclear safety experts, academic community, research laboratories), nuclear licensees, other government departments, other jurisdictions, international organizations (such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Energy Agency), and the general public.
This program administers funding from the following transfer payments program: Class Grants and Contributions Program.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission addresses gaps and uncertainties in its regulatory knowledge base | Percentage of research projects completed that were used in:
| Baseline being developed | Annually | 26 research projects funded** |
| Not available* |
*2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture **Resource constraints impaired the CNSC’s ability to analyze the use of research projects completed by specialists in the 2016–17 fiscal year. This information may become available in the 2017-18 Departmental Results Report. | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 3,687,847 | 4,416,909 | 729,062 |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 3 |
Sub-Program 1.5.4: Public Engagement and Outreach
Description
This sub-program identifies existing and emerging key stakeholder groups, and develops tools, tactics and strategies to reach and engage these stakeholders with plain-language, credible information that has been tailored to them and their needs. Stakeholders include the Canadian public, Canadian nuclear licensees, vendors, the academic community, special interest groups, other government departments, other jurisdictions, international organizations and Indigenous groups.
This program administers funding from the following transfer payments program: Participant Funding Program.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2016–17 Actual results | 2015–16 Actual results | 2014–15 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Canadian public has access to credible and understandable information across multiple media | Outreach program participants (e.g., Indigenous groups, schools) agree that outreach activity influenced their understanding of safety, security, etc. Measure: Percentage of participants surveyed who agree outreach program positively impacted their understanding of nuclear safety issues (after an outreach event) | Baseline being developed | Annually | Pilot project at the Science Teachers Association of Ontario 2016 conference Of 120 surveys completed:
| Not available** | Not available* |
*2014–15 fiscal year was reported against a different Program Alignment Architecture **Indicator was under review | ||||||
| 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,205,819 | 1,653,212 | (552,607) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 6 | (6) |
Information on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s lower-level programs is available on the departmental website and in the TBS InfoBase.
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 service categories that support Program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department. The 10 service categories are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; and Acquisition Services.
Results
- Developed a three-year human resources plan to define priorities and actions to 2020:
- updated the Staffing Policy Framework to enhance the CNSC’s ability to attract, grow and retain the right talent
- launched and integrated CNSC key behavioural competencies into resourcing, performance management and learning
- launched the Career Partnership Initiative to optimize the use of internal talent and develop employees to meet current and future CNSC needs
- continued the CNSC’s commitment to the Not Myself Today campaign to reduce the stigma of and raise awareness of mental health
- articulated a strategy to build leadership capacity to build foundational leadership skills at all levels of the organization, strengthen the CNSC succession pipeline and ensure that current managers are prepared to meet new organizational challenges
- engaged CNSC employees on key workplace issues via town halls and frequent pulse surveys
- Completed a case management pilot
- Supporting e-business projects such as the e-Post pilot, the mobile inspection kit pilot, the Single Window Initiative and enhancements to the Nuclear Materials Accountancy Reporting system and the Nuclear Materials Accounting System
- Provided tablets to all site and regional inspectors to assist with their inspection duties; this is in support of the CNSC’s mobile program to support the operational requirements of inspectors at sites and facilities
- Monitoring improvements made to the shared travel services system
- Completed a roadmap for the review of CNSC financial systems; the go-live date for the new financial system is targeted to be April 1, 2019
- Approved the IT security action and implementation plan
- Completed upgrade to the Emergency Operations Centre
| 2016–17 Main Estimates | 2016–17 Planned spending | 2016–17 Total authorities available for use | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39,693,494 | 43,082,484 | 42,268,424 | 41,399,611 | (1,682,813) |
| 2016–17 Planned | 2016–17 Actual | 2016–17 Difference (actual minus planned) |
|---|---|---|
| 229 | 247 | 18 |
The difference between actual and planned full-time equivalents (FTEs) is primarily due to an increase in FTEs in the information technology and telecommunication areas. The increase in FTEs was offset by a decrease in the use of consultants. This reduced expenditures for professional and special services.
Analysis of trends in spending and human resources
Actual expenditures
Data for Departmental spending graph
| Fiscal Year | Sunset Programs - Anticipated | Statutory | Voted | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-2015 | 0 | 98,088,079 | 40,051,490 | 138,139,569 |
| 2015-2016 | 0 | 98,133,441 | 39,835,227 | 137,968,668 |
| 2016-2017 | 0 | 99,186,919 | 37,939,111 | 137,126,030 |
| 2017-2018 | 0 | 109,770,421 | 37,939,524 | 147,709,945 |
| 2018-2019 | 0 | 112,775,534 | 37,942,024 | 150,558,288 |
| 2019-2020 | 0 | 115,361,467 | 37,942,024 | 153,303,491 |
| Programs and Internal Services | 2016–17 Main Estimates | 2016–17 Planned spending | 2017–18 Planned spending | 2018–19 Planned spending | 2016–17 Total authorities available for use | 2016–17 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | 2014–15 Actual spending (authorities used) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Framework | 28,509,322 | |||||||
| Licensing and Certification | 21,355,025 | |||||||
| Compliance | 45,872,668 | |||||||
| Nuclear Fuel Cycle | 11,784,983 | 12,791,173 | 10,891,883 | 11,113,660 | 12,635,480 | 11,570,635 | 10,173,578 | |
| Nuclear Reactors | 39,242,207 | 42,592,667 | 42,826,661 | 43,698,681 | 41,787,862 | 41,057,571 | 40,002,299 | |
| Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment | 12,161,854 | 13,200,221 | 14,913,615 | 15,217,281 | 15,698,512 | 13,395,547 | 13,930,082 | |
| Nuclear Non-Proliferation | 6,442,749 | 6,992,824 | 6,405,206 | 6,535,626 | 6,860,691 | 5,327,246 | 5,982,791 | |
| Scientific, Technical, Regulatory, and Public Information Program | 26,840,929 | 29,176,241 | 28,581,883 | 29,163,856 | 28,467,289 | 24,375,420 | 26,696,945 | |
| Subtotal | 96,472,722 | 104,753,126 | 103,619,248 | 105,729,104 | 105,449,834 | 95,726,419 | 96,785,695 | 95,737,015 |
| Internal Services | 39,693,494 | 43,082,484 | 44,090,697 | 44,988,454 | 42,268,424 | 41,399,611 | 41,182,973 | 42,402,554 |
| Total | 136,166,216 | 147,835,610 | 147,709,945 | 150,717,558 | 147,718,258 | 137,126,030 | 137,968,668 | 138,139,569 |
The resource levels indicated in the table above include the amounts reported for the CNSC’s Main Estimates as well as the authorities used for the previous three years, as presented in the Public Accounts of Canada. Resource levels for planned spending include the most recent plans, as presented in the 2016–17 Report on Plans and Priorities and the 2017–18 Departmental Plan.
Following a year-long review of the organization, the CNSC adopted a new Program Alignment Architecture (PAA) which was implemented in 2015–16. The new architecture more clearly reflects the fundamental aspects of regulatory oversight of programs as part of the CNSC’s regulatory work.
It includes the:
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle program
- Nuclear Reactors program
- Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment program
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Program
- Scientific, Technical, Regulatory and Public Information program
- Internal Services program
The CNSC’s Main Estimates for fiscal year 2016–17 totaled $136.2 million, compared to total authorities of $147.7 million. The $11.5-million increase is primarily attributable to:
- contributions to employee benefit plans for personnel expenditures related to subsection 21(3) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act that were not included in the 2016–17 Main Estimates
- an operating budget carry-forward from 2015–16 to 2016–17
- funds received from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat for the reimbursement of eligible paylist shortfall expenditures
The change in planned spending from $147.7 million in 2017–18 to $150.7 million in 2018–19 is primarily due to cost-of-living adjustments, including salaries and wages.
The variance between 2016–17 planned spending of $147.8 million and 2016–17 actual spending of $137.1 million is primarily due to salary retroactive payments not occurring as planned, lower than planned salary costs resulting from a higher than forecasted number of retirements, and delays in planned staffing. Salary retroactive payments were not recorded as a new collective agreement was not signed in 2016–17.
Actual human resources
Human resources summary for Programs and Internal Services (full time equivalents)
| Programs and Internal Services | 2014–15 Actual | 2015–16 Actual | 2016–17 Forecast | 2016–17 Actual | 2017–18 Planned | 2018–19 Planned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Framework | 146 | |||||
| Licensing and Certification | 157 | |||||
| Compliance | 263 | |||||
| Nuclear Fuel Cycle | 64 | 80 | 71 | 68 | 68 | |
| Nuclear Reactor | 257 | 267 | 261 | 273 | 273 | |
| Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment | 83 | 83 | 85 | 88 | 88 | |
| Nuclear Non-Proliferation | 38 | 36 | 31 | 40 | 40 | |
| Scientific, Regulatory, and Public Information Program | 145 | 155 | 128 | 154 | 154 | |
| Subtotal | 566 | 587 | 621 | 576 | 623 | 623 |
| Internal Services | 222 | 221 | 229 | 247 | 234 | 234 |
| Total | 788 | 808 | 850 | 823 | 857 | 857 |
The increase from 788 FTEs in 2014–15 to 823 in 2016–17 is primarily attributable to the implementation of the workforce renewal initiative. This initiative is part of the CNSC’s comprehensive workforce strategy to ensure workforce sustainability by addressing the potential impact of attrition and ensuring an effective knowledge transfer. The increase is also attributable to the staffing of full-time positions for which the work was previously performed by consultants.
The variance between 2016–17 planned FTEs of 850 and 2016–17 actual of 823 is due to delays in planned staffing and a higher than forecasted number of retirements.
The increase from 823 actual FTEs in 2016–17 to 857 planned FTEs in 2017–18 is due to continued efforts by the CNSC to renew its workforce and replace, where desirable, consultants with indeterminate employees. This is particularly evident in the Internal Services area where it plans to replace information management and information technology consultants with indeterminate employees. The workforce renewal initiative has also resulted in the hiring of new graduates to replace more senior employees. This has contributed to the lowering of the average salary per FTE and the opportunity to hire more employees with the same salary budget.
No changes to planned FTEs are anticipated from 2017–18 to 2018–19 unless unforeseen developments in the nuclear industry should arise during this time period.
Expenditures by vote
For information on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s organizational voted and statutory expenditures, consult the Public Accounts of Canada 2017.
Alignment of spending with the whole-of-government framework
| Program | Spending area | Government of Canada activity | 2016–17 Actual spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Fuel Cycle | Social affairs | A safe and secure Canada | 11,570,635 |
| Nuclear Reactor | Social affairs | A safe and secure Canada | 41,057,571 |
| Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment | Social affairs | A safe and secure Canada | 13,395,547 |
| Nuclear Non-Proliferation | Social affairs | A safe and secure Canada | 5,327,246 |
| Scientific, Technical, Regulatory, and Public Information Program | Social affairs | A safe and secure Canada | 24,375,420 |
| Spending area | Total planned spending | Total actual spending |
|---|---|---|
| Economic affairs | 0 | 0 |
| Social affairs | 104,753,126 | 95,726,419 |
| International affairs | 0 | 0 |
| Government affairs | 0 | 0 |
Financial statements and financial statements highlights
Financial statements
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s financial statements [unaudited] for the year ended March 31, 2017, are available on the departmental website.
Financial statements highlights
In accordance with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat policy, the CNSC reports on a full accrual accounting basis, based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables below provide highlights from the CNSC’s statement of financial position and statement of operations, as presented in its audited financial statements. As such, there are differences between these tables and those presented in other sections of this report, which are prepared on the modified cash basis of accounting.
| Financial information | 2016–17 Planned results | 2016–17 Actual | 2015–16 Actual | Difference (2016–17 actual minus 2016–17 planned) | Difference (2016–17 actual minus 2015–16 actual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses | 163,970,000 | 152,999,737 | 155,045,686 | (10,970,263) | (2,045,949) |
| Total revenues | 113,615,000 | 108,064,648 | 106,548,343 | (5,550,352) | 1,516,305 |
| Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 50,355,000 | 44,935,089 | 48,497,343 | (5,419,911) | (3,562,254) |
The planned results for fiscal year 2016–17 are as set out in the future-oriented financial statements published within the 2016–17 Report on Plans and Priorities. Actual expenses of $153 million were 6.7% or $11 million less than planned expenses of $164 million. This is as a result of lower spending on salaries and employee benefits expenses due to higher than forecasted retirements and staffing delays, as well as lower than planned contributions to employee benefits. Actual revenues of $108.1 million were 4.9% or $5.6 million lower than forecasted as a result of lower than forecasted costs for salaries and employee benefits expenses in addition to increased capital expenditures which are only recovered from licensees once the capital expenditures are amortized.
The CNSC’s total expenses decreased by 1.3% or $2 million while revenues increased by 1.4% or $1.5 million from 2015–16 to 2016–17. The decrease in total expenses was mainly due to a decrease in professional and special services expenses resulting from a reduction in the use of information technology and telecommunications consultants. The increase in revenues was attributable to an increase in revenues related to nuclear substances used for commercial and industrial purposes as the CNSC continues to phase-in increases to fully recover the costs for these activities. It was also due to an increase in revenues collected through special projects from increased activity related to vendor design reviews.
The format and content of the Condensed Statement of Financial position follows:
| Financial Information | 2016–17 | 2015–16 | Difference (2016–17 minus 2015–16) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total net liabilities | 49,499,602 | 44,223,206 | 5,276,396 |
| Total net financial assets | 35,596,162 | 29,743,329 | 5,852,833 |
| Departmental net debt | 13,903,440 | 14,479,877 | (576,437) |
| Total non-financial assets | 13,720,141 | 11,482,926 | 2,237,215 |
| Departmental net financial position | (183,299) | (2,996,951) | 2,813,652 |
The increase in the CNSC’s net liabilities is mainly due to an increase in the amount payable to licensees due to the excess collection of fees charged over the actual fees earned at year end, as well as an increase to the accrual of a liability for pending increases to salary costs.
The increase in the CNSC’s net financial assets is primarily a result of an increase in accrued salaries and wages from the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). Amounts due from the CRF are the result of timing differences at year end between when a transaction affects authorities and when it is processed through the CRF. Amounts due from the CRF represent the net amount of cash that the CNSC is entitled to draw from the CRF without further authorities to discharge its liabilities.
The increase in the CNSC’s non-financial assets is due to a net increase in the value of tangible capital assets, resulting from in-year purchased capital assets exceeding the value of amortization expense.
The graphs below show the CNSC’s cost of operations and revenues by expenses and revenue category.
Figure 1: Total Cost of operations
Data for Total Cost of Operations
| Expenses | % of revenues |
|---|---|
| Salaries and employee benefits | 71.44% |
| professional and special services | 12.4% |
| Accomodation | 6.8% |
| travel and relocation | 3% |
| Amortization | 1.7% |
| Furniture, repairs and rentals | 02.2% |
| Communication and information | 0.8% |
| Grants and contributions | 1.2% |
| Utilities, materials and supplies | 0.5 |
| Other | 0.1% |
Figure 2: Total Fee Revenues
Data for Total Fee Revenues
| Type of Fee | % of revenues |
|---|---|
| License fees | 98.22%% |
| Special projects | 1.72% |
| Other | 0.06% |
Supplementary information
Corporate information
Organizational profile
Appropriate minister: The Honourable Jim Carr
Institutional head: Michael Binder
Ministerial portfolio: Natural Resources
Enabling instrument[s]: Nuclear Safety Control Act
Year of incorporation / commencement: 2000
Reporting framework
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Strategic Outcome and Program Alignment Architecture of record for 2016–17 are shown below.
1. Strategic Outcome: Safe and secure nuclear installations and processes used solely for peaceful purposes and an informed public on the effectiveness of Canada’s nuclear regulatory regime
- 1.1 Program: Nuclear Fuel Cycle
- 1.1.1 Sub-Program: Uranium Mines and Mills
- 1.1.2 Sub-Program: Nuclear Processing Facilities
- 1.1.3 Sub-Program: Nuclear Waste Management Facilities
- 1.2 Program: Nuclear Reactors
- 1.2.1 Sub-Program: Nuclear Power Plant
- 1.2.2 Sub-Program: Research Reactors
- 1.3 Program: Nuclear Substances and Prescribed Equipment
- 1.3.1 Sub-Program: Medical Sector
- 1.3.2 Sub-Program: Industrial Sector
- 1.3.3 Sub-Program: Commercial Sector
- 1.3.4 Sub-Program: Academic and Research Sector
- 1.3.5 Sub-Program: Packaging and Transport
- 1.3.6 Sub-Program: Dosimetry Services
- 1.4 Program: Nuclear Non-Proliferation
- 1.4.1 Sub-Program: Domestic and International Arrangements
- 1.4.2 Sub-Program: Safeguards
- 1.4.3 Sub-Program: Import and Export
- 1.5 Program: Scientific, Technical, Regulatory and Public Information
- 1.5.1 Sub-Program: Regulatory Framework
- 1.5.2 Sub-Program: Scientific and Technical Information
- 1.5.3 Sub-Program: Research
- 1.5.4 Sub-Program: Public Engagement and Outreach
- Internal Services
Supporting information on lower-level programs
Supporting information on lower‑level programs is available on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s website.
Supplementary information tables
The following supplementary information tables are available on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s website:
- Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
- Internal audits and evaluations
- Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
- User fees, regulatory charges and external fees
| Activity | Performance standard | Target | Results 2014–15 | Results 2015–16 | Results 2016–17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance | |||||
| Verification: Upon completion of the verification activity, the CNSC will: | |||||
| Issue Type I Inspection Preliminary Report | At the Type I Inspection Exit Meeting | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Issue Type I Inspection Report | Within 60 business days | 80% | 90% | 96% | 100% |
| Issue Type II Inspection Report | Within 40 business days1 | 80% | 94% | 90% | 88% |
| Issue Desktop Review Report | Within 60 business days | 90% | 95% | 96% | 92% |
| Enforcement: Upon a decision about an order is made, the CNSC will: | |||||
| Provide the decision in writing on whether to confirm, amend, revoke or replace the order (see Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Rules of Procedure) | Within 10 business days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Licensing: For applications pertaining to a new licence, renewal, amendment, or deviation, the CNSC will: | |||||
| Issue a licensing decision when a public hearing is not required | Within 80 business days | 80% | 93% | 97% | 94% |
| Issue a transport licensing decision when a public hearing is not required2 | Transport – Within 20 business days | 80% | N/A | 95% | 72% |
| Issue a licensing decision when a public hearing is required 3 | Within 160 business days | 90% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Access to information | |||||
| Respond to requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act | Within legislated time periods as stated in the acts | 100% | 53% | 81% | 92.9% |
| External communication | |||||
| Follow the appropriate standard for response time to public inquiries | Same-day acknowledgement, with response time for completion of the request depending upon complexity: | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Low – same day | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
| Medium – within 5 business days | 100% | 95% | 100% | 100% | |
| High – within 10 business days | 100% | 93% | 95% | 100% | |
1 Power reactor licensees are given 10 working days beyond the exit meeting to supply supplemental information. Nuclear Cycle and Facilities changed the standard to 60 days, effective August 2016, as part of continuous improvement of their inspection process. The above results take into consideration these allowances. 2 This is a new external performance standard for 2015-16. The standard was not met in 2016–17 due to high number of licences for shipments not in full compliance with the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations in 2016–17, which required additional effort to review, as well as several applications that required improvements. No systemic issues were identified. 3 The hearing process does not apply to licensing and certification activities that are related to nuclear substances, radiation devices, Class II facilities, prescribed equipment, transport and packaging. | |||||
In addition to the above external performance standards, the CNSC publishes Service standards for high-volume regulatory authorizations related to licence applications for nuclear substances and radiation devices, Class II nuclear facilities and prescribed equipment, import or export, applications for certification of exposure device operators, and transport licence applications.
| Name | Program / Sub-Program |
|---|---|
| Bruce Power Inc. | Nuclear Reactors / Nuclear Power Plants |
| Ontario Power Generation Inc. | Nuclear Reactors / Nuclear Power Plants |
| New Brunswick Power Corp. | Nuclear Reactors / Nuclear Power Plants |
| Cameco Corporation | Nuclear Fuel Cycle / Uranium Mines and Mills |
| AREVA Resources Canada | Nuclear Fuel Cycle / Uranium Mines and Mills |
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. This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs. The tax measures presented in this report are the responsibility of the Minister of Finance.
Organizational contact information
Head office
280 Slater Street
P.O. 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: nuclearsafety.gc.ca
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)
- Provides information on the plans and expected performance of appropriated departments over a three year period. Departmental Plans are tabled in Parliament each spring.
- Departmental Result (résultat ministériel)
- A Departmental Result represents the change or changes that the department seeks to influence. 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 factor or variable that provides a valid and reliable means to measure or describe progress on a Departmental Result.
- Departmental Results Framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)
- Consists of the department’s Core Responsibilities, Departmental Results and Departmental Result Indicators.
- Departmental Results Report (Rapport sur les résultats ministériels)
- Provides information on the actual accomplishments against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the corresponding Departmental Plan.
- Evaluation (évaluation)
- In the Government of Canada, the systematic and neutral collection and analysis of evidence to judge merit, worth or value. Evaluation informs decision making, improvements, innovation and accountability. Evaluations typically focus on programs, policies and priorities and examine questions related to relevance, effectiveness and efficiency. Depending on user needs, however, evaluations can also examine other units, themes and issues, including alternatives to existing interventions. Evaluations generally employ social science research methods.
- 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. Full time equivalents are calculated as a ratio of assigned hours of work to scheduled hours of work. Scheduled hours of work are set out in collective agreements.
- government-wide priorities (priorités pangouvernementales)
- For the purpose of the 2017–18 Departmental Plan, government-wide priorities refers to those high-level themes outlining the government’s agenda in the 2015 Speech from the Throne, namely: Growth for the Middle Class; Open and Transparent Government; A Clean Environment and a Strong Economy; Diversity is Canada's Strength; and Security and Opportunity.
- horizontal initiatives (initiative horizontale)
- An initiative where two or more federal organizations, through an approved funding agreement, work toward achieving clearly defined shared outcomes, and which has been designated (for example, by Cabinet or a central agency) as a horizontal initiative for managing and reporting purposes.
- Management, Resources and Results Structure (Structure de la gestion, des ressources et des résultats)
- A comprehensive framework that consists of an organization’s inventory of programs, resources, results, performance indicators and governance information. Programs and results are depicted in their hierarchical relationship to each other and to the Strategic Outcome(s) to which they contribute. The Management, Resources and Results Structure is developed from the Program Alignment Architecture.
- 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.
- planned spending (dépenses prévues)
- For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to those amounts that receive Treasury Board approval by February 1. Therefore, planned spending may include amounts incremental to planned expenditures presented in the 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.
- plans (plans)
- 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.
- priorities (priorité)
- Plans or projects that an organization 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 Strategic Outcome(s).
- program (programme)
- A group of related resource inputs and activities that are managed to meet specific needs and to achieve intended results and that are treated as a budgetary unit.
- Program Alignment Architecture (architecture d’alignement des programmes)
- A structured inventory of an organization’s programs depicting the hierarchical relationship between programs and the Strategic Outcome(s) to which they contribute.
- results (résultat)
- An external 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.
- Strategic Outcome (résultat stratégique)
- A long term and enduring benefit to Canadians that is linked to the organization’s mandate, vision and core functions.
- sunset program (programme temporisé)
- A time limited program that does not have an ongoing funding and policy authority. When the program is set to expire, a decision must be made whether to continue the program. In the case of a renewal, the decision specifies the scope, funding level and duration.
- 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
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