Who is the CNSC?
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is a government-appointed regulator for the nuclear industry. Since the CNSC reports to the Minister of Natural Resources the same Minister that promotes nuclear activities at home and abroad many have criticized the CNSC for its apparent lack of independence from the industry it regulates. This impression is underscored by the number of CNSC employees who have come from the nuclear industry, and the relative lack of expertise of CNSC staff in medical matters of human health and ecological aspects of radioactive pollution despite the fact that CNSC’s specific mandate is to protect the health of workers and the public and to safeguard the integrity of the environment, besides safeguarding nuclear materials against malicious misuse. The CNSC holds licensing hearings and every five years issues Cameco a license to operate under specified conditions. In November 2004, the CNSC will hold a mid-term licensing review in Port Hope at which time the
Related Questions
- What evidence did the CNSC use when assessing if the Port Hope nuclear industry could have caused adverse health effects in local residents?
- If an RSO from one site accepts a similar position at another licensed site, will the CNSC need to recertify the RSO?
- How does the CNSC certification of RSOs ensure safety and protection of the workers and the public?
