Licensing process and project timelines

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) licensing process includes a series of steps to help ensure the safe use of nuclear energy and materials in Canada.

Overview of the licensing process

This image provides high-level context on the main phases and activities in the licensing process.

Alternative format

The infographic explains how the CNSC licenses nuclear projects in Canada to protect the health, safety, security, and the environment.

Main stages of the licensing process

1. Pre-application and project description; Optional guidance is available between this stage and the next stage
2. Application
3. Assessments
4. Public hearings
5. Decision
6. Licensing
7. Compliance verification; amendments may happen between this stage and the next stage
8. Renewal

Key elements integrated throughout

• Indigenous consultation and engagement
• Public engagement
• Environmental protection; this step includes environmental review and environmental monitoring

Timeline

• Between the stages of pre-application and application
  • Timeline proceeds until acceptance of a complete licence application
• Between the stages of application and licensing
  • Timeline can be up to 24 months
• Between the stages of licensing and renewal
  • Timeline proceeds until licence renewal, revocation or replacement

Timelines for specific projects may vary depending on the nature of the project, the completeness of the application, and project-specific regulatory requirements. The process includes Indigenous consultation and engagement, public engagement, thorough assessment of applications, environmental reviews and monitoring, and compliance verification to ensure that all requirements are met.

Interactive report

For more information about timeline data for selected projects, visit Major project licensing timelines.

Indigenous consultation and engagement

As part of our ongoing commitment and obligation to consultation, engagement and reconciliation, we work closely with Indigenous Nations and communities in all aspects of the environmental review and licensing processes. Participant funding is available for public hearings. Proponents are expected to engage with Indigenous Nations to build partnerships, explain the proposed project and obtain feedback.

Public engagement

We share scientific, technical and regulatory information with the public in various ways, including through consultations, social media, events, webinars, e-newsletters and our website.

Regulatory information and guidance is shared with proponents and other interested parties. Participant funding is available for public hearings.

Environmental protection

The different Canadian environmental frameworks and our regulatory requirements ensure that the environmental effects of nuclear projects and facilities are considered at every phase of their lifecycle.

Pre-application

To ensure that the applicant or licensee understands all appropriate CNSC regulatory requirements, they are encouraged to seek CNSC guidance at the earliest possible stage of planning before submitting a licence application. As more information is gathered, the CNSC will ensure an adequate Indigenous consultation process is followed.

We also review project descriptions for federally designated projects to assess the potential for environmental impacts (assessing which act applies).

Consultation continues through the full regulatory process and facility lifecycle.

Optional guidance

We offer optional services, at a vendor’s request, to give feedback on new technologies that are in early development.

Application

Depending on where a project is at in its lifecycle, the proponent must submit a licence application for one or more of the following: prepare site, construct, operate, decommission, and abandon (release from licensing). Applications to amend, renew, transfer or revoke a licence may also be submitted.

The licence application needs to consider all regulatory criteria as defined by the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, relevant regulations, CNSC requirements and expectations, and applicable international and domestic standards.

Assessments

Once an application is received, it is subject to a technical assessment and an environmental review. We conduct the assessment, engage and seek to collaborate with Indigenous Nations, and submit recommendations to the Commission in a Commission member document (CMD) prior to a public Commission proceeding.

An assessment of the potential for environmental effects may also be needed to determine whether any environmental review legislation applies.

Environmental review

The impacts of projects are assessed to inform the decision-making process and the implementation of a proposed nuclear project before it is licensed.

Depending on its location and design, a project may be subject to one of these assessment frameworks:

1. Integrated impact assessment (Legislation: Impact Assessment Act)

2. Federal lands assessment (Legislation: Impact Assessment Act)

3. Environmental assessment (Legislation: Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012; applies only to projects initiated before 2019)

4. Environmental protection review (Legislation: Nuclear Safety and Control Act)

5. Provincial assessment or land claim agreement assessment (other jurisdictions) (Legislation: Various)

Public hearings

The Commission makes decisions on the licensing of major nuclear facilities through a public hearing process. Indigenous Nations and communities, involved parties, and members of the public have an opportunity to participate in meetings and hearings.

Decision

If a project is a designated project under the Impact Assessment Act, it requires an integrated assessment and licensing decision by an integrated review panel, which includes at least one Commission member.

For projects falling under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the Commission will make a decision on the environmental assessment before making a licensing decision.

The Commission must also determine whether the duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous Nations has been met. The Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal that operates at arm’s length from the nuclear industry.

Licensing

If a licence is granted, the decision will outline the licence conditions and authorized activities that must be met by the licensee during the defined term of the licence.

For some classes of licence or certification, the Commission may designate certain CNSC staff as designated officers (DOs) to carry out licensing and certification decisions for various activities. DO decisions are based on rigorous reviews performed by CNSC staff, who verify whether the applicant meets regulatory requirements.

Compliance verification

If a licence is issued, we conduct inspections and verifications to verify licensee compliance for the duration of the licence.

Licensees are required to submit routine reports on their activities. We may also conduct environmental compliance activities in collaboration with Indigenous Nations and communities who express interest.

When a non-compliance (or continued non-compliance) has been identified, we assess the situation and determine the appropriate enforcement action to be taken to encourage and compel compliance and deter future non-compliances.

Amendments

During the licence period, certain circumstances may require changes to a licence. If a change is needed, proponents must submit a licence amendment application, which would follow the same licensing process.

Renewal

Existing licensees follow the same licensing process when applying for licence renewals. The decision to renew a licence is based on the application and a satisfactory compliance performance.

Contact us

Email info@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca if you have questions about the page.