Safeguards (Nuclear Material Verification)
The verification approaches and measures utilized by the IAEA to verify that
nuclear material is not diverted from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons or other
nuclear explosive devices in accordance with NPT commitments are commonly
referred to as ‘safeguards’.
In 1972, Canada was the first country to bring into force a
comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA pursuant to the NPT. The
safeguards agreement gives the IAEA the right and obligation to monitor Canada’s
nuclear related activities and verify nuclear material inventories and flows in
Canada. In 2000, as part of worldwide efforts to strengthen IAEA safeguards,
Canada brought into force an Additional Protocol to its safeguards agreement with the IAEA. The Additional
Protocol gives the IAEA enhanced rights of access to nuclear sites and other
locations and provides it with access to information about nuclear-related
activities in Canada above and beyond its rights under the original safeguards
agreement.
The CNSC is responsible for implementing the Canada/IAEA safeguards agreement
and the Additional Protocol. Through the
Nuclear Safety and
Control Act, regulations and licences, the CNSC implements regulatory
controls for the production, use, storage and movement of nuclear material in
Canada. Conditions for the application of IAEA safeguards are contained in
nuclear facility operating licences. Through its regulatory process, the CNSC
ensures that all relevant licensees have in place safeguards policies and
procedures that include:
- the reporting and monitoring of nuclear material and activities; and
- the provision of IAEA safeguards inspector access to nuclear facilities.
The CNSC performs compliance and auditing activities to ensure licensees’
safeguards policies and procedures remain sufficient to meet the safeguards
requirements of the agreement and Additional Protocol. The CNSC maintains a
national system that accounts for and controls nuclear materials in Canada, and
supplies reports to the IAEA which serve as a basis for IAEA inspection and
monitoring activities.
The CNSC also cooperates with the IAEA in developing new safeguards
approaches for Canadian facilities and contributes to efforts to strengthen
safeguards internationally. As part of this effort, the CNSC, through its
Safeguards Support Program, assists the IAEA in developing advanced safeguards
equipment or techniques aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency
of safeguards implementation. The Program also supports domestic needs in
resolving specific safeguards issues related to Canadian nuclear facilities and
the use of nuclear material.
|
