Types of agreements
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) collaborates with domestic and international partners to support nuclear safety, regulatory cooperation and emergency preparedness. To formalize these partnerships, Canada enters into treaties and conventions. The CNSC signs agreements and arrangements with governments and organizations in Canada and around the world.
Types of instruments
These instruments may be legally binding or non-binding. While not all are enforceable under law, they represent formal commitments that clarify roles, responsibilities and expectations, and support the CNSC’s mandate. Some involve international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Legally binding agreements
These are international agreements that are enforceable under international law or through domestic legislation. These agreements:
- help Canada meet its international obligations
- may require implementation through the Nuclear Safety and Control Act or related legislation
- support cooperation with international partners and reflect Canada’s role in global nuclear safety and security
They include:
-
Nuclear cooperation agreements (NCAs):
Bilateral treaties that regulate the transfer and peaceful use of nuclear materials and technology between Canada and another country -
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conventions:
Multilateral agreements that strengthen global nuclear safety and radioactive waste management standards (e.g. Convention on Nuclear Safety, Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management) -
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties:
A foundational international treaty that outlines how agreements between countries are created, interpreted and applied under international law
Non-binding arrangements
These arrangements are not legally enforceable, but they represent formal commitments to cooperate. The CNSC uses them to support regulatory, scientific and technical collaboration with partners in Canada and abroad, including Indigenous Nations and communities. They include:
-
Memoranda of understanding (MOUs):
Broad agreements that outline cooperation on regulatory, scientific or operational matters sometimes called memoranda of cooperation (MOCs) -
Administrative arrangements (AAs):
More specific than MOUs, typically defining technical collaboration or procedures between working-level units -
Letters of agreement and understanding (LOAs / LOUs):
Informal or narrowly focused arrangements that document intent to collaborate on specific topics -
Engagement protocols with Indigenous Peoples:
Co-developed frameworks for ongoing engagement and include an annual work plan
These arrangements are made under the authority of section 21(1)(a) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, which permits the CNSC to enter into cooperative arrangements to support its mandate.
At-a-glance comparison
This table summarizes the types of agreements and arrangements used by the CNSC, including whether they are legally binding and their general purpose.
| Instrument type | Legally binding | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear cooperation agreements | Yes | Regulate transfer and peaceful use of nuclear materials |
| IAEA conventions | Yes (when ratified) | Global safety, safeguards and radioactive waste standards |
| Vienna Convention | Yes | Defines how treaties are created and interpreted |
| MOUs / MOCs / AAs | No | Formalize domestic or international cooperation |
| LOAs / LOUs | No | Narrow-scope collaboration or informal commitments |
| Engagement protocols | No | Ongoing engagement framework |
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