The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of people and the environment. It also implements Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and disseminates objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.

The regulatory framework applicable to the implementation of a deep geological repository falls within federal jurisdiction, and this type of project is regulated under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and its associated regulations.

Under section 26 of the NSCA, activities associated with a nuclear facility can occur only in accordance with a licence issued by the CNSC. The repository implemented by the NWMO will be subject to the CNSC’s comprehensive licensing system, which covers the entire life cycle of the repository, from site preparation to construction, operation, decommissioning (closure and post-closure) and release from CNSC licensing. This stepwise approach requires a licence for each phase of the repository life cycle.

The process for obtaining an initial licence is initiated by the NWMO. The NWMO will submit an initial licence application to the CNSC, via the integrated assessment process.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is the federal agency of the Government of Canada responsible for administering the Impact Assessment Act and its regulations. The agency delivers impact assessments that evaluate both positive and negative environmental, economic, social and health impacts of potential projects, including designated nuclear projects.

While the agency leads the process, nuclear projects undergoing impact assessment require the involvement of the CNSC as the “life-cycle regulator,” and therefore the IAAC will work collaboratively with the CNSC to draw upon their expert capacity and ensure that safety and other key regulatory factors are considered as part of a single, integrated review.

Although the CNSC is the main licensing authority, it administers its licensing system in co-operation with other federal and provincial government departments and agencies in areas such as health, environment, transport and labour.

Relevant aspects of the NWMO's work will also comply with applicable provincial regulatory requirements. For example, some aspects of siting or construction of the project and the transportation of used nuclear fuel may also be governed by provincial legislation:

• Most provinces and territories include nuclear substances in legislation and regulations addressing the transportation of dangerous goods within that province or territory.


• Provincial governments are responsible for protecting public health and safety, property and the environment within their borders, which often includes provincial emergency preparedness legislation.


• Provincial governments are responsible for the regulation of resource exploration and/or extraction (e.g., drilling and underground mining) and Crown land management (e.g., disposition of provincial lands).


• Provincial legislation requiring the assessment of potential environmental effects of an activity, plan or program may apply to some aspects of this work. Legislation governing endangered species, environmental protection, heritage protection or preservation, water resources protection, occupational health and safety, employment standards or labour relations may be relevant.


• Various permits, licences and approvals will be required, and provincial policies and guidelines may be applicable at the site selection stage.


• Municipalities, which derive their authority from provincial legislation, may have requirements such as permits, codes, standards and/or bylaws that also need to be addressed.