International Atomic Energy Agency mission concludes that Canada has a mature and well-established nuclear security regime

News Release

April 8, 2016 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) made available a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission that was conducted in Canada from October 19 to 30, 2015.

The IPPAS team, composed of 10 experts from nine nations and from the IAEA, reviewed Canada’s nuclear security regime through five different modules that cover nuclear material and nuclear facilities, as well as the security arrangements applied to the transport of nuclear material, the security of radioactive material and associated facilities and activities, and the information and computer security systems in place. Canada was one of the first countries to request a mission that includes all five IPPAS modules.

In the report, the IPPAS team members recognized that Canada has established and maintains a robust and comprehensive nuclear security infrastructure and that the CNSC assures licensees’ compliance with regulatory requirements. It was noted that Canada is adhering and contributing to all international instruments relevant to nuclear security and that Canada’s nuclear security legislation is continually being updated and enhanced.

The IPPAS team also mentioned that the CNSC encourages the adoption of good nuclear security practices that exceed current regulatory requirements. This is most obvious in the fields of transport security, computer security, emergency preparedness and security response. Three recommendations and 30 suggestions were provided in the report. In addition, 21 good practices were identified during the mission. In conclusion, the IPPAS team assesses that Canada has a mature and well-established nuclear security regime which has been enhanced significantly in recent years.

Consult the CNSC IPPAS presentation update to the Executive Committee or read the IPPAS report. While the CNSC is committed to transparency, portions of the report have been redacted to protect sensitive information. The CNSC acknowledges the cooperation of the participating licensees in making it possible to post the report.

Quote

“As the IPPAS report indicates, I’m proud to say that both the CNSC and the Canadian nuclear licensees continue to identify opportunities to enhance current security practices. The CNSC will keep working to ensure a strong nuclear safety and security regime in our country and around the world,” said Dr. Michael Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CNSC.

Quick facts

• The visit was the 68th IPPAS mission conducted by the IAEA since the program began in 1995. Canada was the 43rd country to host an IPPAS mission.
• Canada is not new to these missions – 12 experts from Canada have participated in the conduct of 31 IPPAS missions in other Member States over the past years.
• Canada was one of the first countries to request a mission that includes all five IPPAS modules and to release the final report.
• Three recommendations and 30 suggestions were provided in the IAEA report, which could enhance nuclear security. In addition, 21 good practices were identified during the mission.
• During the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that, in addition to the Global Partnership Program commitment, Canada will continue to take a leadership role on the world stage in the fight against nuclear terrorism.

Background

IPPAS missions are intended to help Member States strengthen their national nuclear security regime. The missions provide peer review advice on implementing international instruments, and IAEA guidance on the protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities.

The missions call upon a team of international experts to assess a nation’s system of physical protection, compare it with international best practices and recommend improvement. IPPAS missions are conducted both on a nationwide and facility-specific basis.

Contacts

Aurèle Gervais
Media and Community Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
613-996-6860
1-800-668-5284
cnsc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.ccsn@canada.ca

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