Amended Nuclear Security Regulations Strengthen Physical Protection at Nuclear Facilities

06-26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2006

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today that amendments to the Nuclear Security Regulations have been finalized with their approval by the Governor in Council on August 29, 2006. They will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on September 7, 2006. The amended regulations will come into force on November 27, 2006.

The Nuclear Security Regulations set out the physical protection measures required by licensees to address security issues. These regulatory amendments were undertaken as a direct response to the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. The amendments were developed in order to take into account the results of a comprehensive security review of licensed facilities and to incorporate the requirements of Orders put in place by the Commission in October 2001. The Orders had already mandated the comprehensive regulation of security of nuclear facilities and the necessary measures are already in place in high-risk facilities. The amended regulations strengthen the regulatory regime for the physical protection of nuclear facilities and nuclear substances in Canada.

“The amendments will also assure the Canadian public that enhanced physical protection measures at Canadian nuclear facilities are in place and that the protection of the Canadian public is a vital concern to the CNSC,” said CNSC President and CEO
Linda J. Keen.

Proposed amendments to the Nuclear Security Regulations were first published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on October 25, 2003, and again on June 4, 2005. Information related to the new CNSC Nuclear Security Regulations may be found on the Canada Gazette website at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2006/20060907-x4/html/extra-e.html.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment, and to respect Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Backgrounder on Amendments to the Nuclear Security Regulations

Q&A;: Nuclear Security Regulations Amendments

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Contact:
Aurèle Gervais
Media and Community Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
(613) 996-6860