Indigenous consultation and engagement
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) works closely with Indigenous Nations and communities to ensure consultation is open, transparent and inclusive. This is done in the spirit of reconciliation, and Indigenous perspectives are reflected in our regulatory work.
Our commitments
We work with Indigenous Nations and communities across Canada to build respectful relationships and ensure the safe regulation of nuclear energy and materials. We support Indigenous participation by addressing systemic barriers and capacity challenges through funding programs and collaboration.
This ensures concerns can be heard and meaningfully addressed. Indigenous Nations and communities can participate fully in regulatory activities and decision making.
Meaningful collaboration
The CNSC engages with Indigenous Nations and communities to understand their perspectives, cultures, customs and protocols. We address their priorities and concerns. This includes collaboration on:
- assessments
- recommendations
- oversight
- monitoring
- reporting
The objective is to strengthen regulatory outcomes and support the implementation of regulatory commitments.
These collaborative efforts strengthen regulatory recommendations to the Commission and lead to better safety outcomes and stronger environmental protection.
Consultation approach
The CNSC leads a one-window consultation process in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial departments and agencies. We take a whole-of-government approach to consultation. Working across departments and governments keeps processes efficient and inclusive for CNSC-regulated nuclear projects and activities.
The CNSC aims to create efficient environmental reviews and licensing processes for proposed projects and activities. In doing so, we work to mitigate, offset or accommodate potential impacts on Indigenous and/or treaty rights.
We support the full participation of Indigenous Nations and communities in regulatory activities and decision making through consultation and engagement. Commission proceedings and processes are designed to be flexible and responsive to Indigenous needs and requests.
Duty to consult
The Government of Canada has a duty to consult and accommodate when decisions may affect Indigenous and/or treaty rights.
The CNSC is an agent of the Crown and upholds this duty across its regulatory activities. These activities include:
- licensing nuclear facilities and activities under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act
- doing environmental reviews of proposed projects under the Impact Assessment Act, 2019 and for older projects, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
- holding Commission proceedings, where decisions are made through public hearings
Our approach is built on open and inclusive Nation-to-Nation dialogue. The CNSC respects the protocols, laws and customs of Indigenous Nations and communities. We develop consultation approaches that incorporate these protocols and support meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Our process aligns with Canada’s commitments under:
- section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, 2021
- principles of free, prior and informed consent
Commission hearings are a key part of this process. They provide opportunities for Indigenous Nations and communities to actively participate in regulatory decision making. These efforts reflect our commitment to meaningful consultation, engagement and advancing reconciliation.
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