Sharing nuclear safety expertise internationally: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission provides regulatory training to Caribbean countries

September 11, 2017 – Ottawa

Representatives from nine Caribbean countries will participate in classroom and field training hosted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) from September 11 to October 6, 2017 in Ottawa.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting the program,” said Ramzi Jammal, Executive Vice-President and Chief Regulatory Operations Officer, CNSC. “Given current conditions following the tragic impact of Hurricane Irma, affecting so many Caribbean countries, our thoughts are with the citizens who are impacted. We’re relieved that participants are safe and able to participate. This collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is integral in ensuring that regulators work towards a global unified approach to the safety of nuclear substances. CNSC staff have worked hard to ensure that the training program is comprehensive, clear, and as efficient and effective as possible. The presence of the trainees in Canada is a testimony to the recognition of the CNSC as a world-class nuclear safety regulator and our aim to be the best nuclear regulator in the world.”

Led by the CNSC, participants will learn everything from the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources to the fine details of inspection and investigation of nuclear medicine sources and equipment, nuclear gauges, industrial radiography and safe transport. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the CNSC’s ISO-17025-accredited calibration laboratory and facilities at Health Canada, where they will be able to interact directly with CNSC inspectors.

“Working together to develop and improve competence and expertise of regulatory bodies is key to establishing global nuclear safety,” said Jammal. “Sharing best practices and lessons learned on nuclear safety will contribute to strengthening relationships and building confidence among nuclear regulators worldwide.”

The course, in partnership with the IAEA, is part of a regional cooperation project RCA9082, Establishing and Strengthening Sustainable National Regulatory Infrastructures for the Control of Radiation Sources. Participating countries include: Haiti; Dominica; Belize; Trinidad and Tobago; Jamaica; Barbados; Guyana; Bahamas; and Antigua and Barbuda.

“This is the first-of-its-kind training for the Caribbean,” said Saul Perez Pijuan, IAEA Section Head, Division of Technical cooperation for Latin America and Caribbean. “Thank you to the CNSC for the opportunity to share knowledge, and we are looking forward to seeing the application of what is learned to the work at home.”

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.