Nuclear Non-proliferation
The CNSC is responsible for implementing Canada's nuclear non-proliferation
policy which contains two broad, long-standing objectives:
- to assure Canadians and the international community that Canada's nuclear
exports do not contribute to the developments of nuclear weapons or other
nuclear explosive devices; and
- to promote a more effective and comprehensive international nuclear
non-proliferation regime.
The cornerstone of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime is the
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(NPT). The NPT establishes commitments to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons,
promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and achieve nuclear
disarmament. Canada is an original signatory to the NPT and has centered its own
nuclear non-proliferation policy on the treaty’s provisions.
The CNSC, through the
Nuclear Safety and
Control Act (NSCA) and corresponding regulations, implements Canada’s
NPT commitments:
- not to receive, manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear
explosive devices;
- to accept International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on all
nuclear material in peaceful uses in Canada; and
- to ensure that Canada’s nuclear exports to non-nuclear-weapon states are
subject to IAEA safeguards.
Under the NSCA and its regulations, Canadian importers and exporters are
required to obtain and comply with CNSC licences controlling the international
transfer of nuclear and nuclear-related items. Licensees must respect Canada's
nuclear non-proliferation commitments. Through the licensing process, the CNSC
takes steps to ensure that nuclear imports and exports are consistent with
Canada’s nuclear non-proliferation policy.
The policy requires that major nuclear exports must be made subject to a
nuclear cooperation agreement between Canada and the importing country. These
agreements establish reciprocal obligations that are designed to minimize the
risk of proliferation associated with the international transfer of major
nuclear items. The CNSC participates with Foreign Affairs Canada in the
negotiation of bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements and implements
administrative arrangements with its foreign counterparts to effectively fulfill
the terms and conditions of these agreements.
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