Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Annual Report 2006-2007
The CNSC Strategic Framework
The CNSC Strategic Framework uses this logic model for planning, focusing activities and programs, evaluating the contribution of initiatives to CNSC outcomes and illustrating the role of the CNSC as an agency committed to achieving results for Canadians.
CNSC Logic Model - Results for Canadians
Organizational Information
The CNSC operates as two separate organizations:
a Commission of up to seven members
a staff organization of approximately 650 people
(i) Commission
The Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) provides for the appointment of up to seven Commission members by the Governor in Council. Members serve for a term not exceeding five years. One member of the Commission is designated as the President of the Commission. This position is currently held by Linda J. Keen.
Supported by the Secretariat, the Commission functions as an independent, quasi-judicial administrative tribunal and court of record and sets regulatory policy direction on matters relating to health, safety, security and environmental issues affecting the Canadian nuclear industry. It also makes independent decisions on the licensing of nuclear-related activities in Canada as well as legally binding regulations.
The Commission holds public hearings, in accordance with the CNSC Rules of Procedure when considering licensing matters related to major nuclear facilities. When making decisions, the Commission takes into account the views, concerns and opinions of interested parties and intervenors. The Commission delegates to Designated Officers the authority to render licensing decisions for certain categories of nuclear facilities and activities in accordance with the requirements of the NSCA and its associated regulations.
(ii) CNSC Staff
CNSC staff are located at headquarters in Ottawa, site offices at each of the five nuclear power plants in Canada, at the Chalk River facility of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, and five regional offices. CNSC staff at site offices assess performance against regulations and specific conditions of operating licences. Regional offices conduct compliance activities for nuclear substances, transportation, radiation devices and equipment containing nuclear substances. They also respond to unusual events involving nuclear substances.
CNSC staff support the Commission by:
- developing regulatory frameworks
- carrying out licensing, certification, compliance inspections and enforcement actions
- coordinating the CNSC's international undertakings
- developing CNSC-wide programs in support of regulatory effectiveness
- maintaining relations with stakeholders
- providing administrative support
Staff also prepare recommendations on licensing decisions, present them to the Commission for consideration during public hearings and subsequently administer the Commission's decisions. Where so designated, staff also render licensing decisions.
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