The CNSC Participates at the International Atomic Energy Agency's 55th General Conference

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 28, 2011) - The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) strengthened its partnerships with foreign nuclear regulators during the 55th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency's General Conference, an annual meeting in Vienna, Austria, held from September 19 to 23.

During the conference, the CNSC took the opportunity to sign arrangements, including memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and to hold discussions with many regulatory bodies in order to enhance the safety of nuclear energy in peaceful uses worldwide. These partnerships are part of the CNSC's ongoing efforts to both learn from international best practices and also share its own extensive expertise with regulatory bodies of other countries, and are in line with the CNSC's commitment to ongoing improvement.

"I am delighted to have these agreements with these CNSC regulatory counterparts," said CNSC President Michael Binder. "Nuclear safety cannot stop at a country's borders. Cooperation and sharing of experience among nuclear regulators enhance nuclear safety, increase the effectiveness and efficiency of regulators, and protect the public."

During the IAEA General Conference, the CNSC signed MoUs to exchange nuclear regulatory information and training with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of Jordan (JNRC) and the Atomic Energy Commission of Israel (IAEC). The CNSC also held talks to develop similar MoUs with the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) of Argentina and the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU).

In addition, the CNSC finalized an arrangement with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) and its Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT). This arrangement governs the sharing of information and best practices on the implementation of the Joint Canada–United States Guide for Approval of Type B(U) and Fissile Material Transportation Packages (RD-364).

The CNSC also held discussions during the conference with the National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control of Romania (CNCAN) and the Nuclear Energy Control Board of Indonesia (BAPETEN) about planned exchanges.