CNSC Staff

Regulatory Operations Branch and
Technical Support Branch

The Regulatory Operations branch and the Technical Support branch are organized to provide focus on the regulation of different sectors of the nuclear industry and support implementation of consistent regulatory and business processes. The management hierarchy and mandates of the directorates in these two branches establish accountability and authority for leadership of regulatory activities.

Regulatory Operations Branch

The Regulatory Operations branch is responsible for regulation of the development, production and use of nuclear energy, the production, possession, transport and use of nuclear substances and radiation devices in accordance with the requirements of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and Regulations.

 The Regulatory Operations branch is comprised of :

• Directorate of Power Reactor Regulation
• Directorate of Nuclear Cycle and Facilities Regulation
• Directorate of Nuclear Substance Regulation

These three directorates are responsible for the primary interface with the licensees including licensing, compliance and enforcement.

Technical Support Branch

The Technical Support Branch provides the specialist engineering, scientific and technical functions in support of regulatory operations. 

The Technical Support Branch is comprised of :

• Directorate of Assessment and Analysis
• Directorate of Safety Management and Standards
• Directorate of Security and Safeguards
• Directorate of Environmental Assessment and Protection

These four directorates with their wide range of specialist functions, support the regulatory decision making of the Regulatory Operations branch.

Regulatory Operations Coordination Division

Reporting to the Executive Vice-President and Chief Regulatory Officer, the Regulatory Operations Coordination division is responsible for the coordination of the process, project management and performance measurements of the two branches.

Regulatory Affairs Branch

The Regulatory Affairs Branch is responsible for providing strategic direction and implementation of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s regulatory policy, communications and stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, international relations and Executive Committee services.

Corporate Services

Corporate Services is responsible for policies and programs related to the management of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's finances and administration, human resources, information technology, and information management.

Legal Services

The Legal Services Unit, which is staffed by Department of Justice lawyers, provides legal advice to the Commission and staff.

Office of Audit, Evaluation and Ethics

The Office of Audit, Evaluation and Ethics is responsible for examining corporate management accountability and program performance. The office carries out internal audits and evaluations, and makes recommendations for continuous improvement.