Licensing, regulation and public hearings

The Canadian nuclear regulatory framework is comprehensive and mostly technology neutral. It allows all types of nuclear technologies to be safely licensed and regulated.

Licensing

A licence is required for all nuclear facilities in Canada, including new nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) licensing regime has the following phases:

• licence to prepare site
• licence to construct
• licence to operate
• licence to decommission
• licence to be released from regulatory control

A proponent (a person who applies) must follow the established licensing process and submit an application to be granted a licence. The application may require an environmental review.

A vendor or reactor designer can participate in an optional pre-licensing vendor design review (VDR) before an application is submitted. This allows them to obtain feedback early in the design process. A VDR does not certify a reactor design or result in a decision by the Commission under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Regulation

All nuclear reactor facilities, including SMRs, are Class IA nuclear facilities under the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations.

Reactor facilities include:

• nuclear power plants or SMRs used for the generation of power or heat for industrial processes
• small reactors for non-power generation uses (such as isotope production, and research and development activities)

The CNSC can apply the same criteria used to regulate traditional reactor facilities in regulating SMRs and new technologies. A risk-informed approach is applied, where regulatory oversight is equal with the risk associated with the regulated activity.

Public hearings

The following groups can formally participate as intervenors to participate in public hearings:

• members of the public
• Indigenous Nations and communities
• stakeholders who have information that may be useful to The Commission
• stakeholders who have an interest in the matter being considered

The CNSC continues to prepare to regulate new nuclear reactors and SMRs. It is committed to keeping Canadians informed and to sharing information on new nuclear activities in Canada.