CNSC renews Class IB nuclear substance processing facility operating licence for SRB Technologies (Canada) Inc. for a 12-year period

June 29, 2022 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to grant a 12-year renewal of the Class IB nuclear substance processing facility operating licence held by SRB Technologies (Canada) Inc. (SRBT). The SRBT gaseous tritium processing facility is located in Pembroke, Ontario, in the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg peoples. This decision follows a public hearing held virtually on April 27, 2022. The renewed licence authorizes SRBT to continue operating its gaseous tritium light source (GTLS) manufacturing facility, and to distribute GTLS and radiation devices in Canada and internationally.

In making its decision, the Commission considered oral and written submissions from SRBT, CNSC staff, and 16 intervenors. The CNSC also made funding available through its Participant Funding Program, and invited interventions from Indigenous Nations and communities, members of the public and stakeholders. A funding review committee, independent of the CNSC, reviewed the funding applications received and made recommendations on the allocation of funds. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the CNSC awarded a total of up to $39,218 to 5 applicants.

After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that SRBT is qualified to carry on the activities that the renewed licence will authorize. It also concluded that SRBT will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, and the health and safety of persons.

The record of decision is available on request to the Commission Registry at interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca. The decision will also be posted in both official languages at nuclearsafety.gc.ca at a later date. All submissions, hearing transcripts and the hearing webcast are available on the CNSC website.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security 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. The Commission is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal set up at arm’s length from government, independent from any political, government or private sector influence.

Timeline

• SRBT applied for a licence renewal in June 2021.
• In August 2021, the CNSC made funding available through the Participant Funding Program to support Indigenous Nations and communities, members of the public and stakeholders in presenting their views to the Commission.
• The Commission held a virtual public hearing on April 27, 2022 (hearing transcript and webcast are available online or by request). 
• The renewed licence is valid until June 30, 2034.