Nicole Frigault

Professional biography

Nicole has worked at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) since 2008. As an environmental review specialist in the Environmental Review Division, she leads and manages environmental reviews for major nuclear projects, from the proposal phase through the full lifecycle of a project or facility.

Expertise and education

Her academic background includes a bachelor of science in biology and environmental studies from Saint Mary’s University. Before joining the CNSC, she was at Public Services and Procurement Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, where she conducted environmental assessments, and worked on contaminated sites remediation and on climate change issues. She has also previously been employed in the mining industry carrying out environmental monitoring and water treatment plant operations, and has been a chemistry lab technician. This experience supports her work in environmental review, environmental monitoring, impact assessment and the evaluation of potential effects from nuclear projects.

Roles and responsibilities

In her role, Nicole prepares environmental overviews, tracks key project milestones and coordinates with federal authorities, provincial departments, Indigenous Nations and communities, and the public. She helps identify potential project impacts, develop mitigation measures and prepare reports under federal environmental and nuclear legislation. Her work supports informed regulatory decision making and helps ensure environmental considerations are addressed throughout the review process.

Other highlights

Nicole has been the environmental assessment lead for the CNSC’s review of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ proposed near surface disposal facility since the review process began in 2016. She continues to assess potential environmental impacts during the proposal stage and, if a licence is granted, would help ensure that mitigation and follow-up measures, along with licensee commitments, are followed throughout the lifetime of the project.