Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Briefing Package

Table of contents

• 1 – CNSC priority files
• 2 – CNSC overview
• 3 – CNSC structure (May 2025)
• 4 – The Commission
• 5 – Legislative authority, regulatory philosophy, and scope of regulation
• 6 – Initiatives and projects for awareness
• Annex A: Members of the Commission

1 – CNSC priority files

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is looking for the Minister’s support on the following priority files:

Regulatory readiness and efficiency for nuclear projects

As Canada’s nuclear sector continues to grow and develop, the CNSC is committed to meeting regulatory review timeline targets for nuclear projects and finding efficiencies in collaboration with governmental counterparts. As Canada’s nuclear regulator, safeguarding the health, safety, and security of people and the environment remain top priorities for the CNSC when it comes to reviewing, licensing and regulating nuclear projects. The CNSC is a dependable, transparent, and efficient regulator that hears the voices of Indigenous Nations and communities and other interested parties, and it continues to build and strengthen relationships with impacted and interested Indigenous Nations and communities through consistent and meaningful engagement and consultation.

Recognizing the interest in ensuring predictable, efficient and timely regulatory processes, the CNSC has invested in a modern, flexible and technology-neutral framework that provides clear expectations and guidance to existing and potential future nuclear proponents.

The CNSC is a lifecycle regulator and regulates a nuclear project throughout its development and operation, from project design to decommissioning. When an impact assessment is required (due to a project being designated through the Physical Activities Regulations), the CNSC and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) work together to conduct an integrated assessment.

Reconciliation and long-term partnership with Indigenous Nations

As a federal agency and agent of the Crown, the CNSC supports, and is responsible for, discharging the Canadian Crown’s obligations to Indigenous Peoples in relation to the nuclear sector.

The CNSC’s approach to reconciliation focuses on establishing solid relationships and on improving opportunities for Indigenous participation in decision making throughout the lifecycle of nuclear facilities and projects. To advance reconciliation, the CNSC is working to formalize its approach to long-term engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities through terms of reference that set out a clear path forward for relationship building, ongoing communication, and collaboration between the CNSC and interested Indigenous Nations and communities. To date, the CNSC has signed 11 terms of reference for long-term engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities and is actively negotiating others. In total, the CNSC works with more than 52 Indigenous Nations and organizations representing over 100 different Indigenous communities in 9 regions of Canada.

The CNSC continues to implement its Indigenous Knowledge Policy Framework, which outlines its approach to working with, considering and reflecting Indigenous knowledge alongside regulatory information and Western science in assessments and regulatory processes. As a component of this approach to reconciliation, the CNSC staff is taking measures to better reflect Indigenous perspectives in regulatory and scientific activities. It is also working to improve Indigenous participation in decision making by expanding its funding opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to reduce financial and capacity barriers through the Participant Funding Program and the Indigenous and Stakeholder Capacity Fund (authorities and funding sunset in 2027–28).

Federal Court decision on Near Surface Disposal Facility – Kebaowek First Nation v. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories judicial review

The Federal Court’s decision concerning this judicial review recognizes the CNSC’s “broad, inclusive approach to consultation". It also acknowledges that the Commission’s decision concerning the impacts of the proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) is reasonable and that it reasonably considered potential impacts on the rights of Kebaowek First Nation (KFN) under section 35 of the Constitution Act. Notably, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and the CNSC have been directed to resume consultation with KFN, with a view to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples free, prior and informed consent process. The goal is to work towards reaching an agreement on the NSDF Project, taking into consideration KFN’s Indigenous laws, knowledge, and processes. This exercise must be completed before September 30, 2026.

The CNSC has a plan and strategy to apply the Court’s direction for the NSDF Project specifically and for further consultations with KFN, and to also use it more broadly with respect to all ongoing CNSC-led regulatory processes. Since the coming into force of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) and the release of the UNDA Action Plan, the CNSC has adapted its processes and approach to consultation, engagement, and collaboration to ensure that these reflect and uphold UNDA.

– Protected information redacted –

The CNSC will continue to work with NRCan’s Energy Systems Sector and Nòkwewashk to discuss the implications of the Court’s decision and next steps.

Regulatory amendments for Ministerial recommendation

The CNSC is proposing updates to the following regulations to better align with international standards, guidelines, and best practices in nuclear security. The Commission has statutory authority to make regulations, with approval of the Governor in Council. As such, the Minister’s support is needed to enable the regulations to move through the Government of Canada’s regulation-making process. The following regulations will be presented to the Minister.

– Protected information redacted –

2 – CNSC overview

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public. The legislative authority from which the CNSC derives its mandate and responsibilities is the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

The CNSC is independent, but still part of the Government of Canada, and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Nuclear regulation is solely under federal jurisdiction, and the CNSC has no provincial equivalent.

As a federal entity under Schedule II of the Financial Administration Act, the CNSC receives a yearly Parliamentary appropriation that constitutes approximately 30% of its yearly budget, with the remaining 70% coming from licensing and other cost-recovered fees.

Vision and mission

Vision: Trusted and modern regulator, committed to protecting the environment and ensuring nuclear safety and security for all people in Canada 

Mission: Dedicated to protecting the health, safety and security of all people in Canada and its environment through independent, transparent and efficient regulatory oversight of Canada’s nuclear sector

This includes:

• implementing Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in collaboration with domestic and international partners
• disseminating objective scientific, technical and regulatory information
• strengthening confidence through open communication and engagement to build and foster trusted relationships with Indigenous Nations and other communities in Canada and globally

3 – CNSC structure (May 2025)

4 – The Commission

The CNSC is a body corporate established by the NSCA. The NSCA establishes the objects of the Commission, which are to:

• regulate the development, production and use of nuclear energy and the production, possession and use of nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information, in order to prevent unreasonable risk to the environment, national security and to the health and safety of persons
• disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public concerning the activities of the Commission and the effects of the development, production and use of nuclear energy, nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information on the environment and on the health and safety of persons

The Commission consists of not more than 7 permanent, full-time or part-time members appointed by the Governor in Council. One of the members is designated as President and is a full-time member. Each permanent member holds office during good behavior for a term not exceeding 5 years. Commission members come from across Canada and represent various scientific and business backgrounds. In addition to President Tremblay, there are currently 5 permanent, part-time members. Their biographies are included in annex A.

The NSCA also provides for the appointment of temporary members who may be appointed to the Commission for a maximum of 3 years. However, temporary members may continue to serve past the 3-year period to take part in the disposition of any matter in which they became engaged while holding office as members.

The Commission is a court of record and makes decisions on the licensing of nuclear-related activities in Canada, establishes legally binding regulations, and sets regulatory policy direction on matters related to health, safety, security and environmental issues affecting the Canadian nuclear industry. The Commission has significant experience dealing with governance issues given its need to be, and to be perceived as, independent, fair and unbiased in its decision-making. The Commission holds public hearings for major licensing decisions during which the perspectives of Indigenous peoples, the public and stakeholders are welcomed and, in some instances, supported through participant funding.

The Commission may delegate licensing and other decisions as appropriate to designated CNSC staff. When establishing regulatory policy, making licensing decisions and implementing programs, it takes into account the views, concerns and opinions of industry, interested members of the public, and Indigenous peoples.

A Commission Registry plans the business of the Commission and gives technical and administrative support to the President and to the other Commission members. This involves related communications with Indigenous peoples and all stakeholders, including government departments, licensees and the public on Commission affairs. The Registry is also the official registrar in relation to Commission documentation and manages the hearing process.

The Commission is authorized to appoint and employ professional, scientific, technical or other officers or employees it considers necessary for the purposes of its objects under the NSCA. The President of the Commission is also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission with responsibility for supervising and directing the work of the Commission.

The Commission is an independent agency of the Government of Canada, but is accountable in the following ways:

• Accountability to Parliament: The Commission reports to Parliament through the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. It submits annual reports to Parliament, as well as the Departmental Plan and a Departmental Results Report. The President and CEO of the Commission appears before parliamentary committees to elaborate on matters related to the administration of the regulatory regime.
• Legal accountability: Regulatory decisions by the Commission can be reviewed only by the Federal Court. As a federal agency, the Commission is subject to various laws (e.g., the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Official Languages Act, the Privacy Act, the Access to Information Act and the Financial Administration Act).

5 – Legislative authority, regulatory philosophy, and scope of regulation

The Commission’s legislative authority

Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA)

The Commission was established in May 2000 when the NSCA came into force. The NSCA replaced the Atomic Energy Control Act, which had been in place since 1946 without significant change and under which the Atomic Energy Control Board (the predecessor to the Commission) regulated the nuclear industry.

The NSCA is supported by a set of regulations, as well as by a suite of regulatory documents that establish requirements and provide guidance on the Commission’s expectations. International nuclear regulatory agreements and legally-binding conventions are also implemented by the Commission, especially in the areas of non-proliferation and safeguards. These obligations are sometimes incorporated into regulatory requirements through amendments to regulations.

Other nuclear-related legislation

Nuclear Energy Act (Minister of Energy and Natural Resources)

The Nuclear Energy Act sets out the Minister’s powers with respect to authorizing the utilization of nuclear technology and research and development activities relating to it.

Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (Minister of Energy and Natural Resources)

The Nuclear Fuel Waste Act sets out the requirements for the owners of nuclear fuel waste to arrange for its permanent management and storage. Its provision led to the creation of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, a consortium of nuclear facility operators.

Impact Assessment Act (Minister of Environment and Climate Change)

Passed in 2019, the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) replaced the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) and sets out the requirements for impact assessments of major projects, including nuclear projects. In accordance with provisions of the IAA, when the nature of a nuclear project requires an impact assessment to be carried out, the process will be led by the IAAC. The review panel for the assessment will include at least 1 member appointed from the CNSC, but such member(s) must not constitute a majority of the panel.

Under the IAA, the Physical Activities Regulations, commonly referred to as the “project list”, identify the physical activities that constitute the “designated projects” that are subject to the IAA and may require an impact assessment by IAAC. Each physical activity listed in the schedule includes a description, and in most cases, a corresponding threshold (often production capacity), which serves as a representation of scale or size (e.g., electricity generation capacity in megawatts, or mining production capacity in tonnes per day).

Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act (Minister of Energy and Natural Resources)

The Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act (NLCA) came into force in 2017 and provides for a liability limit of $1 billion (as of January 1, 2020) in the event of a nuclear accident. The NLCA replaced the Nuclear Liability Act and modernized Canada’s nuclear liability regime by clarifying and broadening the number of categories for which compensation may be sought and improving the procedures for delivering compensation. NRCan administers the NLCA. The CNSC’s role is to provide advice to the Governor in Council on the designation of nuclear facilities for the purpose of establishing liability insurance requirements.

Regulatory philosophy

The CNSC uses a risk-informed approach to regulation. Its regulatory philosophy is based on 2 accountability principles:

• Persons and organizations that are subject to the NSCA and its associated regulations are directly responsible for ensuring that the regulated activities in which they engage are managed in a manner that protects the health, safety, and security of Canadians and the environment, and that conforms with Canada’s domestic and international obligations on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• The CNSC is accountable to Parliament and to all people in Canada for regulating persons and organizations that are subject to the NSCA and associated regulations, in order to assure that these persons and organizations are properly meeting their obligations.

Scope of nuclear regulation in Canada

The regulation of nuclear energy and nuclear substances is a federal jurisdiction by virtue of section 71 of the NSCA, which declares nuclear works and undertakings to be for the general advantage of Canada. This derives from the potential health, safety and security concerns associated with the development and use of nuclear energy or nuclear substances, which are largely extra-provincial and international in character and implications.

The CNSC is the federal government agency responsible for regulating the development, production and use of nuclear energy, and the production, possession and use of nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information, in the areas outlined below. Its authority to regulate is set out in the NSCA and the specific regulations under it.

The NSCA establishes a licensing regime for all nuclear facilities and nuclear-related activities, requiring that any person who wishes to carry out prescribed activities have a licence from the Commission before doing so. Licences may include conditions that are specific to the proposed use or activity, including the requirement for financial guarantees.

The scope of regulated activities is extensive and includes:

• power reactors
• non-power reactors
• nuclear research and test facilities
• uranium mines, mills processing and fuel fabrication facilities
• nuclear substance processing facilities
• particle accelerators
• waste management facilities
• nuclear substances and radiation devices
• irradiation equipment
• packaging and transportation of nuclear substances
• imports and exports of controlled nuclear materials, equipment, technology and information
• exports of nuclear related dual-use materials, equipment and technology
• nuclear medicine (e.g., cancer treatment such as brachytherapy and teletherapy)
• dosimetry service providers

The CNSC has more than 1,400 licensees, who hold a total of almost 2,300 licences. CNSC staff perform a range of activities to verify and ensure that licensees comply with their licences and any related conditions.

The Commission has an extensive suite of regulatory enforcement measures available to enforce licensee compliance. These measures include increased regulatory scrutiny, orders, licence amendments, monetary penalties and prosecution for regulatory offences set out in the NSCA.

6 – Initiatives and projects for awareness

SMR Readiness Plan

In Budget 2022, Finance Canada provided the CNSC with $50.7M over 5 years starting in 2022–23 and $0.5M ongoing to implement the organization’s SMR Readiness Plan. The initiative will: support regulatory predictability; improve and expand the CNSC’s technical capability; leverage opportunities for efficiency, improvement and harmonization across Canada’s domestic regulatory space; strengthen existing international collaboration efforts while allowing stronger pursuit of international harmonization goals.

The SMR Readiness Plan also includes the establishment of the joint SMR Research Grants Initiative with the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

The CNSC has established memoranda of cooperation (MOC) with other regulators as part of the international collaboration efforts outlined in the SMR Readiness Plan. These arrangements foster discussions on approaches taken to conduct technical reviews, support the dissemination of findings, and provide an important framework to collaborate on pre-application activities to ensure mutual preparedness. At this time, the CNSC has established MOCs with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the United Kingdom Office for Nuclear Regulation, and Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency.

International affairs

Canada has a long and well-respected history of international collaboration in the interests of health, safety and security around the world. In the nuclear arena and on Canada’s behalf, the CNSC continues to call upon its extensive experience as a nuclear regulator to promote and support global nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. This includes supporting the Government of Canada in its compliance with international conventions related to nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

The CNSC has made being a leader and influencing global efforts a strategic priority and has developed an international strategy in this regard.

Eighth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

From March 17 to 28, 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held the Eighth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management in Vienna, Austria. 

The CNSC led Canada’s delegation and delivered Canada’s national report, which outlined the measures taken to implement Canada’s obligations under the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. This report also discussed the CNSC’s exemplary oversight of the management of spent fuel and nuclear waste. Following the peer review of Canada’s national program, the Contracting Parties granted Canada 2 good practices and 8 good performances for other countries to learn from and implement. 

IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Service Mission to Canada – 2024 follow-up mission

In September 2019, an international team of senior nuclear and radiation safety experts, led by the IAEA, conducted an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission to Canada. The purpose of this mission was to perform a peer review of the CNSC’s regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety against IAEA standards. In the interest of continuous evolution and improvement of its practices, the CNSC welcomes these international peer reviews.

From June 4 to 10, 2024, Canada hosted an IAEA team of experts to conduct an IRRS follow-up mission, with the objective of reviewing progress since the initial mission in 2019.  Participating authorities included the CNSC, Health Canada and NRCan. The purpose of the follow-up mission was to review Canada’s actions taken to address the recommendations and suggestions made in the IRRS initial mission’s report.

The final report findings further highlighted that Canada has a comprehensive and robust regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety covering current facilities and activities.  This report is significant as Canada’s nuclear sector navigates a new era, with many new builds and projects on the horizon. International validation of the CNSC’s regulatory framework reinforces the trust and confidence in its systems and global leadership.

Commission membership

The CNSC anticipates the appointment of 1 new permanent, part-time Commission member in 2025. The CNSC will be prioritizing the onboarding, training and development of the new Commission member to ensure readiness for forthcoming proceedings.

The Minister should also be aware of several ongoing or proposed nuclear projects:

Darlington New Nuclear Project (Ontario)

The Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) represents the site preparation for, and the construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of up to 4 new nuclear reactors at Ontario Power Generation’s existing Darlington site.

On April 4, 2025, the CNSC announced the Commission’s decision to issue a power reactor construction licence to construct 1 General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor at the DNNP site. The licence includes 4 facility-specific licence conditions that, along with the standard licence conditions, will enable effective regulatory oversight of the licensed activities. The licence to construct is valid until March 31, 2035.

Bruce C Nuclear Project (Ontario)

Bruce Power is proposing the site preparation, construction, operation and decommissioning of a new nuclear generating station within the existing Bruce Power site, located within the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) in the Municipality of Kincardine, Ontario. As proposed, the Bruce C Nuclear Project would provide up to 4,800 megawatts electric of new nuclear generating capacity in Ontario and operate for 60 to 100 years. Several nuclear reactor technologies will be considered for this project.

While Bruce Power had initiated the impact assessment process for this project with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada in collaboration with the CNSC, it requested that the process be suspended as of January 15, 2025, to allow for more time for additional engagement with the SON. The duration of the suspension is undetermined at this time. During this suspension, CNSC and IAAC staff are continuing to engage with Bruce Power and the SON. The planning phase of the impact assessment will proceed following resumption of the impact assessment timeline.

Energy Alberta’s Peace River Nuclear Power Project (Alberta)

Energy Alberta is proposing the construction of 2 twin CANDU MONARK nuclear reactors, located approximately 30 km north of the Town of Peace River, Alberta. As proposed, the Peace River Nuclear Power Project would cover 1,424 hectares in area and operate for approximately 70 years. The plant would generate up to 4,800 megawatts of electricity per year.

On April 11, 2025, Energy Alberta submitted the project’s initial project description to the IAAC, thereby beginning the planning phase of the impact assessment which is being conducted in collaboration with the CNSC.

New Brunswick Power’s ARC-100 Project (New Brunswick)

New Brunswick Power, in partnership with ARC Clean Technology Canada, is proposing to deploy 1 ARC-100 SMR at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station site in New Brunswick. In June 2023, CNSC staff received an application for a licence to prepare site for the proposed SMR. The application is currently undergoing regulatory review under the NSCA, which will include an environmental protection review.

The proposed project is also undergoing a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) by the Government of New Brunswick. CNSC staff are providing technical support, as members of the Technical Review Committee, throughout the provincial EIA process. In December 2022, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that this project does not warrant designation under the IAA.

Denison Mines Corporation’s Wheeler River Project (Saskatchewan)

Denison Mines Corporation (Denison) is proposing to develop an in-situ recovery uranium mining and processing operation – the Wheeler River Project – located in Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. The proposed operation would produce up to 5,400 tonnes of uranium oxide annually for 20 years.

Before the Commission can make a licensing decision on this proposal, CNSC staff must complete an EA under CEAA 2012. CNSC staff must have reviewed enough evidence and be able to show that the proposed mining activities would not cause significant adverse environmental effects before the Commission can proceed with its decision. The CNSC will make this information available as Commission member documents ahead of the 2-part public hearing process. Part 1 of the public hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2025, and Part 2 is scheduled for the week of December 8, 2025.

NexGen Energy Ltd.’s Rook I Project (Saskatchewan)

NexGen Energy Ltd. (NexGen) is proposing to develop an underground uranium mine on the Patterson Lake peninsula in the southwestern Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. The main components of the project include an underground mine, an onsite mill, surface facilities to support the short- and long-term storage of waste rock and ore, an underground tailings management facility, water-handling infrastructure and an effluent treatment circuit, and additional infrastructure to support mining activities.

Before the Commission can make a licensing decision on this proposal, CNSC staff must complete an EA under CEAA 2012. This involves publishing an assessment of the licence amendment and producing an EA report based on the information in NexGen’s licensing submission, final environmental impact statement (which was accepted on January 28, 2025), and other supporting documentation. CNSC staff must have reviewed enough evidence and be able to show that the proposed mining activities would not cause significant adverse environmental effects before the Commission can proceed with its decision. The CNSC will make this information available as Commission member documents ahead of the 2-part public hearing process. Part 1 of the public hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, and Part 2 is scheduled for February 9 to 13, 2026.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Deep Geological Repository (Ontario)

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) was established in 2002, in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act, and federally mandated to design and implement Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel. This plan is captured in the NWMO’s Adaptive Phased Management (APM) approach. In May 2010, the NWMO launched its site selection process for a willing and informed community to host a deep geological repository (DGR) as the solution for the long-term storage of used nuclear fuel, including that created by new and emerging technologies. In November 2024, the NWMO announced the selection of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace as the future location of the DGR.

In 2019, the CNSC signed a service arrangement with the NWMO to provide regulatory guidance for the implementation of the APM approach. The arrangement identifies the terms under which the CNSC provides services to the NWMO prior to the submission of a licence application. These services include pre-project design reviews of APM DGR concepts, identification of regulatory requirements for a DGR, and participation in public meetings to provide information on the CNSC’s role.

– Protected information redacted –

This project is currently listed in the Physical Activities Regulations and therefore considered a designated project that is subject to an impact assessment under the IAA. The CNSC can only make a licensing decision on a DGR after the completion of an impact assessment by the IAAC (in cooperation with the CNSC).

Projects undergoing a CNSC-led EA under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012)

While the IAA came into force in August 2019, ongoing projects with EAs initiated under CEAA 2012 and led by the CNSC will continue under their current processes. In addition to the aforementioned NexGen Energy Ltd. Rook I Project and Denison’s Wheeler River Project, the following projects are also undergoing a CNSC-led EA under CEAA 2012:

• Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Nuclear Power Demonstration Closure Project in Rolphton, Ontario: Proposal for partial removal and in-situ grouting of decommissioned reactor and remediation of the site. The licensing technical assessments are ongoing, and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) continues to develop and revise documents supporting its licensing application.
• CNL’s decommissioning of Whiteshell Reactor #1, Pinawa, Manitoba: Proposal for partial removal / partial in-situ grouting of decommissioned reactor and remediation of the site. CNSC staff are currently conducting the environmental impact statement technical review, ending no later than June 20, 2025.
• Global First Power Micro Modular Reactor Project at Chalk River Laboratories, Renfrew County, Ontario: Global First Power was seeking CNSC approval for a licence to prepare site for a micro modular reactor. However, all work related to the EA and the licence application review has been paused. 

Potential upcoming designated projects

The CNSC is aware of the following potential projects that are being considered and may result in applications in the short term:

Ontario Power Generation’s Wesleyville site: In November 2024, the Ontario Government asked Ontario Power Generation to assess 2 of its existing sites, including the Wesleyville site, located in Port Hope, Ontario. This was to determine if there is interest on the part of rights holders and municipalities to explore the potential for new large scale nuclear generation. Port Hope has indicated a willingness to explore the potential for such new nuclear projects.

– Protected information redacted–

SaskPower’s GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR: SaskPower announced the selection of the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 for potential deployment in Saskatchewan by the mid-2030s.

– Protected information redacted–

Annex A: Members of the Commission

Pierre Tremblay (President of the Commission)

Pierre Tremblay began his term as President and Chief Executive Officer of the CNSC on August 12, 2024.

Mr. Tremblay is an accomplished leader with over 40 years of experience in nuclear engineering, security, operations, maintenance and management, including most recently as President of AECOM Canada Nuclear Services Inc.

He served as Chair of the CNSC’s Departmental Audit Committee from 2017 to 2023, providing advice and recommendations on the organization’s internal audit functions, frameworks and processes for risk management, control and governance. This role underscored his proven commitment to regulatory excellence and his support of the CNSC’s mandate to regulate the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment.

Mr. Tremblay began his career as a trainee engineer with Ontario Hydro (now Ontario Power Generation), where he rose through the ranks to become Chief Nuclear Operating Officer, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the nuclear fleet, achieving significant safety improvements.

He subsequently served as President of Canadian Nuclear Partners (now Laurentis Energy Partners Inc.), where he led trade missions to China, South Korea and India to create new opportunities for Canadian nuclear companies and their supply chains.

His international experience as a nuclear advisor, instructor and peer evaluator demonstrates his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering global collaboration.

Mr. Tremblay is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and has been an active member of the Canadian Nuclear Society, the Canadian Nuclear Association, and the American Nuclear Society, where he held the prestigious position of Chair of the Education and Training Division.

He was also the former Governor of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now Ontario Tech University), Chairman of the Board of Governors of Durham College, and President of the Canadian Red Cross, North York Branch.

He holds a master of business administration from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and a bachelor of science (honours) in chemical engineering from Queen’s University.

Timothy Berube, PhD

Dr. Timothy Berube was reappointed on April 19, 2022, as a permanent, part-time Commission member for a 5-year term. He served as acting president of the Commission from October 14, 2023, to August 11, 2024.

A resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Dr. Berube holds an electrical technologist diploma from Confederation College, Ontario; a bachelor of engineering (electrical) from Lakehead University, Ontario; a master of business administration (international) from the University of South Australia; and a master of science (leadership) from Capella University, Minnesota. He also holds multiple non-secular degrees in metaphysics and divinity from the University of Metaphysical Sciences, California, culminating in a doctor of philosophy (metaphysical sciences) and a doctor of divinity (spiritual counselling).

Dr. Berube has over 30 years of experience in the areas of global leadership, executive management, governance, business development, operations, sales, marketing, engineering, project management and consulting. Included in this profile is a 10-year international portfolio resulting in the creation of 2 multi-million-dollar multinational enterprises.

Dr. Berube's extensive career has been varied. He has held positions with the Canadian Forces Communications Command as Deputy Commanding Officer, with Ontario Hydro as a nuclear operator, and with several telecommunications companies in Canada and abroad. He also served as the President and CEO for Westman Communications Group based in western Manitoba.

Dr. Berube is Métis. He has served on multiple for-profit and not-for-profit boards, including the North West Local Health Integration Network, Digital Engineering Inc., Science North and The Battalion Senate of 18 (Thunder Bay) Service Battalion.

Andrea Hardie

Andrea Hardie was appointed on September 25, 2023, as a permanent, part-time Commission member for a 5-year term.

With over 20 years of experience as a strategic leader and engineer within the energy industry, Ms. Hardie brings extensive knowledge on the inner workings of regulatory environments, technical issues facing industry, and balancing stakeholder interests. Throughout her career, she has worked in various capacities with the Canada Energy Regulator, the Alberta Energy Regulator and Energy Efficiency Alberta, in addition to holding industry association and private industry roles.

With a career focus on safety and a passion for building relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, Ms. Hardie has conceived, designed and delivered on strategic initiatives that address the challenges faced by communities, workers, industry and government bodies as the energy industry evolves and transforms across Canada.

Ms. Hardie has a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and holds a Professional Engineer designation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.

Jerry Hopwood

Jerry Hopwood was appointed on September 25, 2023, as a permanent, part-time Commission member for a 5-year term.

Since 2016, Mr. Hopwood has served as President of the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), leading Canada’s university–industry partnership in nuclear research and education.

Mr. Hopwood was educated at Oxford University, where he studied applied physics, and has over 4 decades of extensive experience in the nuclear industry. After starting out in the nuclear field in Great Britain, he moved to Canada to join Atomic Energy of Canada Limited as a reactor safety specialist. After secondments to Point Lepreau during its initial operation and later to South Korea as technical director for AECL, Mr. Hopwood held progressively senior positions in design, product development and business development with AECL. From 2011 to 2015, he worked with SNC-Lavalin (now AtkinsRéalis) CANDU Energy as Vice President for Product Development. He has published more than 40 journal articles and conference papers covering all aspects of nuclear technology.

Mr. Hopwood is active internationally, consulting with the IAEA and with the Canadian Nuclear Society. He also serves as the chair of the international Nuclear Education Networks association, covering networks of educators on all continents. In June 2019, he received the CNS/CNA Harold Smith Outstanding Contribution Award for services to the nuclear community.

Marcel Lacroix, Ph. D.

Dr. Marcel Lacroix was reappointed on March 25, 2022, as a permanent, part-time Commission member for a 5-year term.

A resident of Montréal, Quebec, Dr. Lacroix holds a bachelor’s degree in physics, magna cum laude, from the University of Ottawa, as well as a master’s degree and PhD in nuclear engineering from the École Polytechnique de Montréal.

Dr. Lacroix is a full-time power and process engineering consultant and adjunct professor at the Université de Sherbrooke.

Dr. Lacroix designs and develops simulation models and expert systems for the utilization, control and management of energy systems (nuclear, electric, thermal, solar and chemical). Over the last 40 years, he has worked for many companies and organizations, including Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Hydro-Québec, Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station, Atomic Energy Control Board of Canada, QIT Iron and Titanium, Rio Tinto Alcan, Metso Outotec, and Électricité de France. Dr. Lacroix was also a full professor at the Université Claude Bernard in Lyon, France, and at the École des Mines de France. He has authored and co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific papers and has published several textbooks on thermodynamics, energy and nuclear technologies. During his career, Dr. Lacroix has held 15 invited professorships at foreign universities. He is a keynote speaker at international conferences as well as a public speaker. He appears regularly in the media across Canada to comment on issues pertaining to energy technologies.

Dr. Lacroix is a licensed engineer with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.

Victoria Remenda, Ph. D.

Dr. Victoria Remenda was appointed on May 18, 2022, as a permanent, part-time Commission member for a 5-year term.

She holds a PhD in earth sciences from the University of Waterloo, with a specialty in the hydrogeology of low-permeability earth materials. Dr. Remenda also holds a bachelor of engineering and a master of science in civil engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering at Queen’s University, and resides in Kingston, Ontario.

Dr. Remenda was inaugural Chair of the CNSC’s Independent Advisory Group on GeoScience, which provides objective, independent advice to CNSC staff on the geoscience aspects for the long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel. This role has allowed her to gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific, engineering, regulatory and stakeholder issues of siting and constructing a deep geological repository for the management of high-level nuclear waste.

A member of Queen’s since 1993, and an elected member of the Queen’s Board of Trustees since 2020, Dr. Remenda has extensive experience with legislative procedures and policies. As a professional engineer, scientist, instructor and researcher, she has instructed on the topics of federal and provincial guidelines and legislation concerning the practice of engineering, siting conditions, EAs, and occupational health and safety, to name a few.

Dr. Remenda’s work in a variety of sectors and roles has required her to build relationships, seek partnerships, listen carefully, learn quickly and be prepared to consider and to embrace dissenting ideas and opinions. She has considerable experience evaluating technical and non-technical information from a variety of sources and disciplines.