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ARCHIVED - RPP 2007-2008
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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SECTION II -- ANALYSIS OF CNSC'S PROGRAM ACTIVITY
Program Activity Plans
This section details the plans in each of the CNSC's five program sub-activities, each with a clear expected outcome that is aligned to achieve the agency's program priorities, its program activity and strategic outcome. (See also section I - Strategic Framework and Program Activity Architecture).
| Expected Outcome: |
A clear and pragmatic regulatory framework |
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Program Sub-Activity: |
Regulatory Framework |
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Description: Development of a modern, evergreen, Canadian regulatory regime that considers all available science as well as operating experience and input of Canadian operators, other stakeholders and the international community to: develop new and amend existing CNSC regulations; and create regulatory policies, standards and guides that set out the CNSC's regulatory criteria and expectations of staff. |
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Outcome Measures:
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Target 3 |
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Objective |
Plans |
Timeline |
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A modern evergreen, Canadian regulatory regime |
Complete current regulatory documents development program and necessary amendments to regulations for existing facilities as follows:
Produce regulatory documents for new activities; for example, new reactor construction, uranium mining and milling expansion, waste repositories, Class II facilities etc. Improve and update the regulatory framework to make it more strategic, internationally benchmarked and forward looking while maintaining its transparency |
2008-2009
2007-2010 |
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A modernized safeguards framework for Canada |
Design and implement a new national safeguards system to complement international agreements |
2007-2008 |
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Performance Measurement Strategy: Measurement using CNSC's internal tracking system |
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Resources: |
2007-2008 |
2008-2009 |
2009-2010 |
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This program sub-activity captures work that is undertaken to ensure the CSNC has a clear, pragmatic regulatory framework and its functions include: developing new and amending existing CNSC regulations; developing regulatory policies, standards and guides that set out the CNSC's regulatory criteria and its expectations of staff and licensees, while considering modern standards for nuclear regulation; and participating in the development of domestic and international standards. The cornerstone of the regulatory framework is the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA).
The CNSC is modernizing its regulatory framework by considering all available science along with operating experience and input of Canadian operators, other stakeholders and the international community. Priorities for improvements to the regulatory framework are established based on ongoing reviews and analysis of relative risk, in order for the CNSC to maintain an integrated, consistent set of regulatory documents that clarify regulatory requirements and expectations.
In the planning period, the federal government is proposing new initiatives in various areas of the regulatory domain. The CNSC will be involved in development and, as appropriate, in implementation.
A well documented, modern regulatory framework is an important factor in the continued effectiveness of the CNSC's regulatory regime. Due to the expected retirement of many of the CNSC's most senior staff, there is a significant risk of loss of regulatory knowledge, which the organization is mitigating in part by developing new regulatory documents and sharing knowledge with new staff.
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Expected Outcome: |
Individuals and organizations that operate safely and conform to safeguards and non-proliferation requirements |
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Program Sub-Activity: |
Licensing and Certification |
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Description: Issuance of licences or certifying persons to conduct nuclear-related activities in Canada. In order to issue a licence or a certificate, the CNSC must obtain evidence of licensee ability to operate safely and conform to safeguards and non-proliferation obligations. |
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Outcome Measure:
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Objective |
Plans |
Timeline |
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Develop and implement risk informed, consistent and predictable licensing and certification processes |
Document internal licensing policies, processes and procedures, and implement the tools required for a consistent and effective licensing and certification process. Complete documentation of and improvement to the CNSC's environmental assessment and oversight programs Implement processes for licensing new nuclear facilities including, but not limited to, new nuclear power plants and new waste management facilities Implement the provisions of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Substances, including initiatives to strengthen export/import licensing and control risk significant sources |
2007-2009 2007-2008
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Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Commission Tribunal licensing process |
Evaluate the tribunal process and implement recommendations |
Ongoing |
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Review and make recommendations to the Tribunal with respect to applications for renewal of current licenses across the regulatory program; |
Manage the licensing of existing licensees Manage the certification of personnel and packages Conduct environmental assessments to respond to licence applications for new mines, new reactor construction, refineries, waste repositories and Chalk River Laboratories legacy projects |
Ongoing Ongoing
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Performance Measurement Strategy: Maintenance of records of significant development reports and licensees' remedial actions. |
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Resources: |
2007-2008 |
2008-2009 |
2009-2010 |
This program sub-activity captures work that is undertaken to ensure that licences or certifications are granted only to individuals and organizations that demonstrate the ability and commitment to operate safely and conform to nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation requirements. In order to issue a licence or certification, the CNSC undertakes activities to obtain evidence of applicant ability to meet this requirement. Such activities include assessing past performance, conducting technical assessments and tests, preparing recommendations, conducting hearings and issuing licenses, certificates and approvals.
For further information about CNSC's regulatory plan refer to Section III Supplementary Information - Table 5 "CNSC's Regulatory Plan".
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Expected Outcome: |
High levels of compliance with the regulatory framework |
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Program Sub-Activity: |
Compliance |
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Description: Effective oversight of compliance with regulatory requirements, which is critical to assuring Parliament and the Canadian public that nuclear energy and materials are being used safely and securely and in a manner that respects Canada's international commitments concerning their peaceful use. |
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Outcome Measures:
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Objective |
Plans |
Timeline |
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Complete the implementation of risk-informed and consistent compliance process in all regulated sectors |
Document internal policies, processes and procedures, and implement the tools that support the compliance process |
2007-2009 |
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Assure Canadians of the continuing compliance and safety performance of licensees |
Execute baseline compliance program requirements across the four regulatory programs Develop strategies to promote/enforce compliance where licensee deficiencies have been identified and responding to risk significant licensee reports and findings |
Ongoing |
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Assure international agencies that nuclear material, substances and technologies in Canada are used in compliance with the Government of Canada's international commitments. |
Apply the requirements of multilateral conventions and arrangements Implement the requirements of the Canada-IAEA Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol for verification of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Canada |
Ongoing
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Performance Measurement Strategies: Measurement of licensee performance through inspections, events, assessments, and evaluations against licence requirements; IAEA verification of the peaceful use of Canadian nuclear goods and materials. |
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Resources: |
2007-2008 |
2008-2009 |
2009-2010 |
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This program sub-activity ensures that the CNSC's licensees exhibit a high level of compliance with regulatory requirements specified by the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its regulations, CNSC licences, certificates and approvals. This work also enables the CNSC to provide regulatory assurance to Canadians of the continuing compliance and safety performance of licensees, and to make certain that Canada meets its international commitments. Activities include providing information to licensees, verifying and enforcing compliance, and reporting licensee performance against regulatory requirements.
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Expected Outcome: |
CNSC cooperates and integrates its activities in national/international nuclear fora |
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Program Sub-Activity: |
Cooperative Undertakings |
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Description: Involvement in international nuclear organizations, promoting Canadian interests and evaluating international recommendations, standards and guides for adoption in the CNSC's regulatory framework. |
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Outcome Measures:
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Objective |
Plans |
Timeline |
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Effective, efficient and cooperative CNSC emergency preparedness framework and infrastructure |
Negotiate new agreements with other government departments and certain provinces |
By 2009: New agreements in place with |
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Strengthen and improve the IAEA safeguards system |
Provide technical support and other resources necessary to the IAEA's safeguards program |
Ongoing |
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Effective cooperation with international, federal and provincial organizations, departments and agencies |
Establish and review cooperative arrangements with foreign nuclear regulators, and federal and provincial organizations, departments and agencies on an ongoing basis Conduct annual reviews of cooperative arrangements with foreign regulatory counterparts and international organizations Renew existing regulatory information cooperation arrangements, where appropriate.
Collaborate with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada with respect to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and associated nuclear cooperation with India, Romania and others Determine, evaluate, track and report the CNSC's participation in international activities on nuclear matters |
Ongoing
New arrangements: 2007-2008: Sweden, Finland, and United States Ongoing
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Performance Measurement Strategy: Submit annual reports to CNSC executive on arrangement negotiations and on international activities, including international travel and international visits by foreign regulatory counterparts |
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Resources: |
2007-2008 |
2008-2009 |
2009-2010 |
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Under this program, the CNSC works cooperatively with other national and international organizations.
At the national level, some of these organizations include Environment Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. The CNSC plays a role in horizontal delivery of government programs related to nuclear safety and security. It cooperates with appropriate federal, provincial, municipal and private-sector organizations to contribute to more effective, efficient nuclear regulation. Such cooperation makes the best use of relevant expertise on specific domestic regulatory issues while minimizing the potential for duplication of regulatory effort. Respective roles and responsibilities of participating organizations are described in bilateral/multilateral Memoranda of Understanding.
The CNSC Secretariat cooperates with other federal quasi-judicial tribunals in a number of areas including the development of rules of procedure and official languages policy. The President of the CNSC has recently been instrumental in the development of a forum for heads of federal administrative tribunals to discuss issues of common interest, keep informed of new administrative law or governance developments and to share innovative practices. CNSC's CEO will sit as the first chair of this "Heads of Federal Administrative Tribunals Forum"
The CNSC cooperates with international organizations by developing, negotiating and implementing arrangements to facilitate communication, information sharing, alignment of Canadian regulatory practices with international best practices and meeting of Canada's international obligations. Work in this area includes development and implementation of frameworks and standards with nuclear non-proliferation objectives (e.g. nuclear safeguards verification, nuclear export controls), protection of nuclear material and high-risk sources and facilities, transportation of nuclear materials, power reactor safety, spent fuel and radioactive waste management safety; and emergency preparedness.
Appropriate mechanisms are required so the CNSC can exchange information with regulatory counterparts and international organizations to contribute to developing a modern regulatory framework aligned with international best practice and to share operational experience in regulating nuclear facilities.
The plans and timing identified for negotiating arrangements with foreign regulatory counterparts depend upon reciprocal interest and are subject to change with operational priorities. Lack of appropriate arrangements may delay timely sharing of critical information and may hamper the achievement of organizational strategic outcomes.
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Expected Outcome: |
Stakeholders' understanding of the regulatory program |
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Program Sub-Activity: |
Stakeholder Relations |
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Description: Regular meetings with industry groups and non-government organizations on matters related to the administration of the regulatory regime; outreach to communities hosting nuclear facilities; presentations and speeches at conferences and other fora; media relations; and provision of information to the public on regulatory matters. |
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Outcome Measures:
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Objective |
Plans |
Timing |
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To foster increased awareness of and a high level of confidence in the CNSC as an effective, efficient and transparent regulator |
Develop and implement a structured and sustainable outreach program Increase communication efforts: update and continue to implement the CNSC strategic communications and outreach plan. |
2007-2008
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Performance Measurement Strategy: Conduct surveys of national and/or regional awareness and confidence in the regulatory program every three years and compare results to data from 2004-2005. |
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Resources: |
2007-2008 |
2008-2009 |
2009-2010 |
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The CNSC is committed to being open, transparent and accessible to all stakeholders. This program sub-activity promotes stakeholder understanding of and access to the regulatory process, and public confidence in the regulatory regime. Activities include: providing information to the public on regulatory matters; public Commission hearings on licensing matters for major nuclear facilities, including opportunities for intervention by stakeholders; public access to Commission meetings; regular meetings with industry groups and non-government organizations on matters related to the regulatory regime; outreach to communities hosting nuclear facilities; presentation and speeches at conferences and other fora; and media relations. The use of nuclear substances and energy is only viable if the public has confidence in the CNSC as a strong, independent regulator. This requires communication, consultation and sustained, predictable relationships with key stakeholders directly affected by the CNSC's regulatory regime.
Performance Standards
Performance standards have been developed for interactions with both external and internal stakeholders. It is important to note that because the CNSC is an independent regulator, it is inappropriate for its relationship with licensees to be considered a service; hence, there are no service standards. The CNSC's only "client" is the Canadian public for whom it provides a regulatory regime to assure them that Canadian nuclear installations and processes are safe and secure and used solely for peaceful purposes. In line with the Users Fees Act (2004) and the Treasury Board Policy on Service Standards for External Fees, a list of performance standards that focus on the needs and expectations of external stakeholders has been developed in consultation with stakeholders including the Cost Recovery Advisory Group, which is a group of fee-paying licensees who meet annually with CNSC management to discuss cost recovery-related issues. Also, in line with reporting commitments included in the Users Fees Act, the CNSC reports its performance against these standards in the annual Departmental Performance Report - In addition, internal performance standards have been put in place to monitor and report on the ability of corporate service functions to meet needs and expectations of internal clients in supporting the delivery of the overall regulatory program. Performance against all standards is monitored regularly to ensure that continual progress is made and that standards accurately reflect the operating environment.
Actual Performance against the following external stakeholder-related performance standards will be reported in the 2007-08 CNSC Performance Report.
External performance standards
| Activity |
Performance standard |
Target |
| Compliance | ||
| Verification: Upon completion of the verification activity, the CNSC will: | ||
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Issue Type I Inspection Report |
Within 60 business days |
80% |
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Issue Type II Inspection Report1 |
Within 40 business days |
80% |
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Issue Desktop Review Report |
Within 60 business days |
90% |
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Complete review(s) of Annual Compliance Report(s) |
Within 60 business days (of receipt) |
80% |
| Enforcement: Upon an Order being made, the CNSC will | ||
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Confirm, amend, revoke or replace the Order (see Regulatory Guide - G-273) |
Within 10 business days | 100% |
| Licensing - For requests pertaining to an existing licence, the CNSC will | ||
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Screen the request for completeness and issue notification that the licensing request is / is not complete |
Within 20 business days |
90% |
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Issue a licensing decision when a public hearing is not required (assuming an environmental assessment under the CEAA is not required) |
Within 80 business days |
80% |
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Issue a licensing decision when a public hearing is required (assuming an environmental assessment under the CEAA is not required) (see INFO-0715) |
Within 160 business days |
90% |
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Publish the Records of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decisions, upon conclusion of the public hearing |
Within 30 business days |
90% |
| Access to Information (ATI) | ||
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Respond to requests under the ATI and Privacy Acts |
Within legislated time periods as stated in the Acts |
90% |
| External Communications | ||
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Place advertisements for public hearings |
Within deadlines stipulated in the regulations |
100% |
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Timely responses to public inquiries |
Same-day acknowledgement of request. Response time depends on request complexity: |
100% |
| External Reporting to Central Agencies | ||
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File annual Report on Plans and Priorities (strategic plan) and Departmental Performance Report (annual report on performance) |
Within required timelines | 100% |
Note 1: Findings from field inspections and control room inspections for power reactors will be reported quarterly, within 40 business days of end of quarter, unless major issues arise.
