Elaine Kanasewich

Expertise and education

Elaine has been working for the CNSC since 2010. She holds an undergraduate degree in international relations and a master’s degree in strategic affairs. Her main area of expertise is nuclear non-proliferation policy, safeguards and disarmament.

Roles and responsibilities

As Director of the International Safeguards Division, Elaine’s role is to lead the team responsible for implementing safeguards in Canada. This includes facilitating International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verification efforts in Canada by participating in IAEA-led site inspections, supporting the installation and maintenance of remote monitoring equipment, and submitting the required nuclear material accountancy reports. Elaine also engages in biannual consultations with the IAEA’s Department of Safeguards, which acts as a forum for raising issues and taking actions to ensure the effective implementation of safeguards‑. Lastly, Elaine leads the Canadian Safeguards Support Program, which assists the IAEA in promoting innovation and ensuring continued effectiveness and efficiency in the application of safeguards worldwide.

Other roles

Elaine’s work ensures that Canada can meet its international obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The treaty requires Canada to adhere to safeguards measures, which provide assurance of the peaceful nature of Canada’s nuclear activities. Elaine is also the Co-Chair of the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification, which aims to develop a credible and effective technical means to confirm nuclear weapons dismantlement, and which convenes with global partners to exchange best practices and lessons learned in the application of safeguards.