Nuclear Energy

The Energy Sector of Natural Resources Canada is responsible for developing Canadian policy on all energy sources. The Nuclear Energy Division is the unit of the Energy Resources Branch within the Energy Sector that develops and implements Canadian government policy on nuclear energy. The Nuclear Energy Division provides advice on energy policy, institutional, legislative and financial frameworks for the nuclear industry in Canada. The Canadian nuclear energy program is a very important component of Canada's energy mix as noted in the Quarterly Report on Canada's Nuclear Program (see Publications).

The Nuclear Energy Division works closely with the Uranium and Radioactive Waste Division. In developing government policy on energy, many factors are taken into consideration. One of the key factors facing electricity production in Canada today is the cost of electricity generation in what is becoming a highly competitive deregulated market. The Comparative Costs of Electricity Generation: A Canadian Perspective (see Publications) provides an analysis of the economics of electricity generation from its main sources, including nuclear energy.

The Minister of Natural Resources Canada is responsible for ensuring the best energy future for Canada through developing policies and programs which enhance the economic and environmental well-being of Canadians. (Sustainable Development Strategy – Moving Forward)

In addition to the function of the federal government in developing energy policies, there are two organizations which report through the Minister of Natural Resources to the Parliament of Canada that play key roles in the Canadian nuclear energy program. These are:

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is the federal nuclear control agency, accountable to the Parliament of Canada. Its role is to regulate the nuclear industry in Canada to ensure that the development and use of nuclear energy do not pose any unreasonable risk to health, safety, security and the environment. The CNSC's predecessor, the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB), was created in 1946 under the Atomic Energy Control Act. In May 2000, the CNSC replaced the AECB under new legislation which provides a more modern and effective regulatory framework.

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a Crown Corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada. AECL develops, markets, sells and builds the Canadian designed CANDU power reactors, MAPLE research reactors and MACSTOR Waste Storage Facilities. AECL has developed expertise in the areas of project management, engineering and consulting services as well as maintenance services and the development of new technologies. In addition, AECL has ongoing research and development programs which support the CANDU program. AECL partners with Canadian private sector businesses in CANDU projects abroad.

In addition to the policy and other responsibilities of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, there are two other key Departments which have responsibility for nuclear security, health and safety.

Under the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Nuclear and Chemical Disarmament Implementation Agency (IDN) has been established. Within the Department, its mandate is to enhance security and well-being by promoting the peaceful and safe use of chemical and nuclear technologies and to ensure compliance with international commitments such as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Agency also assists in the development of relevant international law and guidance, such as conventions established under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group regime.

Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping the people of Canada maintain and improve their health. Nuclear Energy is managed through Health Canada's Radiation Protection Bureau (RPB). The RPB contributes to maintaining and improving the health of Canadians by investigating and managing the risks from natural and artificial sources of radiation. This is accomplished through:

• the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP);
• the National Radioactivity Monitoring Network;
• participation in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT);
• developing guidelines for exposure to radioactivity in water, food and air following a nuclear emergency;
• providing advice and assistance to environmental assessment and reviews as required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act;
• providing a full range of dosimetry services to workers through the National Dosimetry Services, the national Dose Registry, the National Calibration Reference Centre and biological dosimetry services; and
• contributing to the control of the design, construction and function of radiation-emitting devices imported, sold or leased in Canada, under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act.