Sarah Eaton

Professional biography

Sarah has worked at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) since 2009, when she began as an inspector at the Saskatoon Regional Office. As Director General of the Directorate of Advanced Reactor Technologies, she leads work related to new-reactor licensing, with a focus on small modular reactors and advanced reactor technologies.

Expertise and education

Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in earth sciences from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She has extensive licensing and compliance experience, including 10 years inspecting uranium mines and mills and fuel‑cycle facilities. This background supports her current work on new-reactor licensing and small modular reactor applications.

Roles and responsibilities

In her role, Sarah leads a team responsible for new-reactor licensing. The team is currently focused on reviewing licence applications for small modular reactors and large conventional reactors, which are drawing increased interest as part of Canada’s energy strategy. Her team works with Indigenous Nations and communities, the public and other interested parties as part of the review process, helping support transparent information sharing.

Other highlights

Sarah’s work helps ensure that proposed new reactors can be constructed and operated safely throughout their entire lifecycle. She works with technical experts across the CNSC so that safety, environmental and public-interest considerations are reviewed before recommendations are made to the independent Commission. Her directorate also looks for opportunities to improve regulatory efficiency and predictability.