Regulatory Framework Modernization Strategy

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is updating and improving how it regulates the nuclear sector to keep pace with new technologies, evolving expectations, and changes in the broader federal regulatory environment. Modernization of our regulatory framework helps ensure that our regulatory system remains clear, efficient, transparent, and capable of supporting both safety and innovation.

What Regulatory Framework Modernization Means

Regulatory framework modernization refers to improving how the CNSC develops, updates, and applies regulations and regulatory documents that make up the framework. This includes:

• Making rules and guidance easier to understand and use
• Updating older or outdated requirements
• Using digital tools and data more effectively
• Reducing unnecessary administrative burden
• Ensuring regulations can adapt to new technologies, such as small modular reactors
• Strengthening transparency and engagement with Canadians and Indigenous Nations and communities

Modernization does not change our core purpose: protecting the health, safety, and security of Canadians and the environment.

Why This Matters Now

Canada’s nuclear landscape is changing. Existing nuclear facilities continue to operate, while new reactor designs and emerging technologies are being proposed. At the same time, Canadians expect more openness, and the federal government is driving improvements across all regulatory bodies.

To stay effective and credible, the CNSC must be flexible, forward‑looking, and aligned with modern regulatory best practices used across Canada and internationally.

Four Key Objectives:

1. Encourage Innovation and Flexibility

   We want our regulatory frameworks to support new technologies while maintaining rigorous safety. This includes exploring modern approaches such as performance-based regulation, regulatory experimentation, and improved use of international standards.

2. Improve Efficiency

   We aim to streamline processes, reduce duplication, and simplify compliance where possible—while never compromising safety or security. This includes improving how we develop regulations and regulatory documents.

3. Strengthen Transparency and Predictability

   We will use clearer language, provide more forward-planning information, and continue to expand open data and public engagement. This helps Canadians understand how and why regulatory decisions are made.

4. Use Data and Digital Tools More Effectively

   This includes adopting digital‑first approaches, using data analytics and new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and ensuring our regulatory information can be easily accessed and understood.

How We Will Modernize

The strategy is built on three pillars of action:

• Pillar 1 — Modernizing Regulations and Regulatory Frameworks

  We will review and refresh the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, its regulations, and regulatory documents (REGDOCs) to ensure they are up‑to‑date, flexible, and aligned with current realities. This may include removing outdated requirements, simplifying language, or introducing new provisions to address emerging technologies.

• Pillar 2 — Modernizing Regulatory Approaches and Tools

  We will make better use of modern regulatory practices, including incorporation by reference, risk‑informed approaches, digital‑first drafting, and regulatory experimentation where appropriate. We will also align with government‑wide regulatory modernization initiatives led by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

• Pillar 3 — Modernizing Regulatory Framework Processes

  We will improve how regulatory work is planned, prioritized, and developed. This includes streamlining internal processes, enhancing early engagement, integrating digital tools, and ensuring regulatory development is efficient and predictable.

Tracking Progress

• Maintain a two‑year rolling plan of framework modernization initiatives that fit within these pillars
• Regularly evaluate progress
• Adjust priorities as needed based on lessons learned, emerging issues, and technological developments
• Integrate successful modernization initiatives into the broader Regulatory Framework Plan

Working Together

Modernization of our regulatory framework will succeed through collaboration across the organization and with Canadians, Indigenous Nations and communities, industry, and other partners. By modernizing our regulatory system, the CNSC will remain a leading, trusted nuclear regulator ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.