Domestic arrangements

Introduction

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

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

Federal Arrangements

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

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

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

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

October 2017 – MOU between the CNSC and Health Canada
The participants agree to consult and cooperate in a number of areas, including: calibration services; occupational radiation exposure; environmental monitoring and environmental assessments; medical devices; investigations, tests and studies; federal, provincial, territorial and international committees; and nuclear emergency preparedness and response. The revised MOU updates the one signed in 2012.

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

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

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

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

May 2012 – MOU between the CNSC and the Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) (PDF)
The document establishes a cooperative framework for projects in the three northern territories with respect to exercising jurisdiction, environmental assessments, Aboriginal consultation and for identifying areas for improvement in efficiency and effectiveness.

Partners: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Transport Canada, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, and the National Energy Board.

November 2011 – Business Continuity Framework – CNSC and Shared Services Canada (PDF)
The intent of the framework is to ensure the continuity of operations while Shared Services Canada is being established.

August 2011 – MOU between the CNSC and Major Projects Management Office (MPMO)
The signatories agree to work together to create a complete, accurate, centralized Aboriginal-Crown consultation record for each Major Resource Project.

Partners: Natural Resources Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Transport Canada, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

March 2011 – Substitution MOU between the CNSC and the Minister of the Environment
Substitution of the environmental assessment process followed by the CNSC for an environmental assessment by a review panel, under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

May 2010 – MOU between the CNSC and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Office of the Comptroller General (OCG)
The document establishes that the CNSC will provide alternate accommodation to OCG, in order to meet OCG’s basic operational requirements under its Business Continuity Plan.

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

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

October 2007 – MOU between the CNSC and the Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) (PDF)
The document describes the implementation of the Major Projects Management Office Cabinet Directive on improving the performance of the regulatory system for major resource projects.

Partners: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission,Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, and the National Energy Board.

March 2005 – MOU between the CNSC and the Department of Solicitor General (Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada)
The document establishes the provision for alternate Emergency Operations Centre accommodations to the CNSC.

November 2002 – MOU between the CNSC and the Chemical, Radiological, Biological and Nuclear and Technology Initiative (CRTI)
An arrangement to facilitate the implementation and conduct of CRTI projects in support of its mandate to strengthen coordination and collaboration of capacity, capabilities, research and technology plans and strategies.

Partners: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission,Department of National Defence, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Defence R&D Canada, Department of Fisheries & Oceans, Environment Canada, Health Canada, National Research Council Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection & Emergency Preparedness, Privy Council Office, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Solicitor General Canada, and the Treasury Board Secretariat.

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

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

Provincial Arrangements

Ontario

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

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

July 1984 – Administrative Agreement between the CNSC (AECB) and the province of Ontario
The document addresses payments to the province of Ontario for administrative, inspection, enforcement and related services in respect to occupational health and safety in uranium mining facilities in Ontario.
Related to the June 14, 1984, MOU between the CNSC (AECB), Human Resources and Social Development Canada (Department of Labour) and the province of Ontario.

June 1984 – MOU between the CNSC (AECB), Human Resources and Social Development Canada (Department of Labour) and the Province of Ontario
The documents details how Ontario uranium mines will be subject to the same occupational safety and health laws as other mines in Ontario. It also describes compensation provided to the province of Ontario for providing the administrative, inspection, enforcement and related services.

New Brunswick

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

Saskatchewan

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

This agreement resulted from the 2000 MOU.

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

This agreement resulted from the 2000 MOU.

March 1996 – MOU between the CNSC (AECB) and the Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
The participants agree to collaborate on the decommissioning and reclamation of uranium mining facilities in Saskatchewan, including the provision of financial assurances.

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

For more information

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

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