CNSC Values and Ethics Code
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) outlines its ethical standards and core values to guide responsible conduct, transparent decision making and public trust.
Introduction
CNSC employees have a number of important rights and responsibilities. Among these responsibilities is the duty to embrace and embody positive values and ethics in order to earn and maintain the trust of colleagues and Canadians.
CNSC values speak to a shared commitment – as individuals, as teams and as an organization.
What are the requirements CNSC employees must comply with under this Code?
The CNSC is committed to the values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Responsibility and Safety – referred to collectively as RISERS. CNSC employees must observe these values:
Respect
- Recognize the rights and contributions of yourself, your colleagues and everyone you interact with.
- Treat people with dignity, fairness, and civility – listening with openness and curiosity to diverse perspectives, and upholding people’s right to communicate in the official language of their choice – to create an environment free of discrimination and where everyone feels valued, heard and able to participate fully.
Integrity
- Provide advice and make decisions that are transparent, credible, science- and evidence-based and risk-informed – helping to build and maintain trust.
- Uphold the highest standards of honesty, impartiality and ethical conduct as public servants. This includes identifying, disclosing and avoiding real, apparent and potential conflicts of interest, speaking up about concerns, recognizing and addressing systemic biases, and acting in support of equity, inclusion, and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Service
- Act in the best interests of Canada, including the government we serve.
- Work together in inclusive and respectful ways, and look out for each other’s well-being.
- Strive to deliver high-quality results for everyone in Canada.
Excellence
- Seek opportunities to continuously improve how the CNSC works, leading and adapting to change with resilience and professionalism, sharing knowledge and fostering innovation.
- Commit to developing skills and competencies through curiosity, self-reflection and continuous learning.
Responsibility
- Own your actions, decisions and behaviours.
- Use public funds, assets, information and resources with due care – being accountable for results, collaborating effectively across teams, and applying policies fairly and consistently.
Safety
- Promote and uphold a strong culture of safety in all its forms – physical, psychological, cultural and environmental. This means: preventing harassment and violence; safeguarding health and safety, supporting well-being, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe to speak up, ask questions, challenge ideas and share different views without fear of embarrassment or negative consequences.
What does this mean?
These values and behaviours are conditions of employment, and CNSC employees can expect to be treated in accordance with this Code.
These are not mere words. At the CNSC, employees do important work and Canadians have put their trust and confidence in them. CNSC employees must act in a manner that honours and earns this trust, at all times.
Only by demonstrating their commitment to the highest values and ethics will CNSC employees be deserving of the trust of all Canadians and their colleagues.
When must CNSC employees abide by the Code?
CNSC employees must abide by the Code:
- while on CNSC premises
- when performing CNSC work or acting on its behalf
- when using CNSC systems and networks
- when their names are directly or indirectly associated with the CNSC
Why is abiding by the Code important?
The Code forms part of the conditions of CNSC employment – along with the requirements set out in the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, the CNSC Conflict of Interest Policy, the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA), the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the CNSC Directive on Reporting and Managing Financial Conflicts of Interest.
The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. Employees are to speak up if they witness or experience violence, harassment or discrimination – or if they have information that could indicate a serious breach of this Code. Such matters can be raised without fear of reprisal to a supervisor, the CNSC Senior Officer for Disclosure, CNSC Labour Relations, CNSC Legal Services and/or Corporate Security, or the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.
What happens if an employee violates the terms of the CNSC Values and Ethics Code?
A breach of this Code or the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector may result in disciplinary measures being taken, up to and including termination of employment.
When did this Code take effect?
This Code took effect October 21, 2026, and superseded the CNSC’s 2021 Code.
Assistance and resources
The CNSC is committed to supporting its employees and managers in compliance with the Code. The Office of Values and Ethics can provide resources, guidance, and direction to CNSC employees. Informal processes such as dialogue or mediation are encouraged where possible and appropriate.
CNSC employees who have information that could indicate a serious breach of this Code should bring the matter to their immediate supervisor, the Departmental Senior Officer for Disclosure, or the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner. The PSDPA prevents anyone from taking any reprisal against a public servant if the public servant has made a protected disclosure or has, in good faith, cooperated in an investigation into a disclosure.
Conflict of interest
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