CNSC's Role in a Nuclear Emergency

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) maintains a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (PDF). Our role during a nuclear emergency is to:

• monitor the response of the licensee
• evaluate response actions
• provide technical advice and regulatory approval when required
• provide field response to assist local authorities as needed
• inform the government and the public on its assessment of the situation

To continually evaluate and improve its emergency response capabilities, CNSC participates in simulated incidents in coordination with its licensees and government agencies. CNSC's Emergency Response Plan is revised regularly to incorporate new elements as a result of lessons learned from exercises and drills.

CNSC also maintains a Duty Officer program to receive reports on actual or potential incidents, and to respond to those seeking emergency information and assistance. The Duty Officer is available on a 24-hour basis, and is the first point of contact in the event of an emergency.

For more information, please see How to Report a Nuclear Incident.