Stakeholder Involvement in Decision Making

Transcription

1 IAEA Conference on Advancing Global Implementation of Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Madrid, Spain May 24, 2016 Stakeholder Involvement in Decision Making Opening Remarks Jason K Cameron, Co-chair Session 3 Vice-President, Regulatory Affairs, and Chief Communications Officer Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

2 Mandate and Legislative Requirements Nuclear Safety and Control Act: Regulate the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment Implement Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy Disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public Communication is enshrined in the law 2

3 Canadian Regulatory Snapshot Fiscal year Human Resources: 850 FTEs Financial Resources: $148 million (~70% cost recovery; ~30% appropriation) Licensees: ~1,700 Licences: ~2,500 HQ in Ottawa 4 site offices at power reactors 1 site office at Chalk River 4 regional offices 3

4 Commitment to Transparency Commission hearings and meetings open to the public, webcast live, archived All decisions released to the public Decisions can only be challenged in Federal Court Participant Funding Program Consultation on regulations and regulatory requirements Public Hearings are a Cornerstone of Canadian Decision-making Process Public Commission hearing held for the licence renewal of Nordion 4

5 Communications Approach Informing, by using plain language Engaging across platforms and face-to-face Collaborating to leverage our message Regulating licensees to ensure they are communicating effectively Connecting with Canadians is our priority 5

6 Key Engagement Activities Some key activity areas: outreach Indigenous and public environmental monitoring public and media inquiries emergency communications digital presence CNSC specialist at Cool Science Saturday, Ottawa, ON (February 2, 2015) Our vision: to be the trusted source of information on nuclear safety in Canada 6

7 Environmental Monitoring Independently verify that the public and the environment around nuclear facilities are safe and not adversely affected by the facility activities Involvement of Stakeholders is Essential 7

8 Digital Presence Multiple tools used: CNSC website Government of Canada website (Canada.ca) s webinars earned media and letters social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter (and more coming) Using channels available to reach our stakeholders CNSC article on nuclear safety and refurbishment projects, published in Toronto Star insert 8

9 Digital Presence Social Media Twitter, since May 2015 to quickly share the latest news and updates from the CNSC about 450 followers YouTube, since 2012 to share video content, including Commission proceedings 2,175 followers Facebook, since 2012 to share stories, educational resources and facts on nuclear safety in Canada 2,100 followers Growing importance of social media for the CNSC 9

10 Digital Presence Promoting Activities Across the Regulatory Lifecycle Providing timely updates on inspection Highlighting content in annual oversight report Clear information on regulatory requirements, licensing, inspections and reporting 10

11 Digital Presence Developing Educational, Contextual Information CNSC Online interactive module Video: What is Radiation? (130,000 views on YouTube) Making technical and scientific topics understandable 11

12 CNSC Regulatory Requirements RD/GD-99.3, Public Information and Disclosure, provides requirements and guidance for public information and disclosure programs (PIDPs) Applies to: uranium mines and mills Class I facilities (nuclear power plants, research reactors and fuel processing facilities) certain Class II facilities (pool irradiators and commercial isotope production facilities) NB Power employee talks to fishermen near the Point Lepreau Generating Station Informing the public is a joint responsibility 12

13 CNSC Regulatory Requirements (cont d) Ensure that information related to the health, safety and security of people and the environment are effectively communicated to the public Ensure that information is commensurate with the public s perception of risk and the level of public interest Require licensees to: define and engage target audiences identify an appropriate strategy and products provide timely, current and ongoing information proactively disclose information Cameco s regular Community Forum in Port Hope, ON 20

14 CNSC Regulatory Requirements (cont d) Regulatory oversight tools for PIDPs: program assessment completed for licence renewal/application assessments contribute to licensing CMDs annual evaluation completed to verify implementation evaluations contribute to CNSC regulatory oversight reports inspections for compliance verification An effective PIDP is a licence condition Bruce Power s Summer Bus Tour Program 14

15 Best Practices Observed in Canada Facility tours or virtual tours Regular community newsletters Open houses and virtual town halls Informative websites and videos Participation in community events Environmental monitoring Social media channels Public opinion surveys Community advisory committees Regular updates to elected officials Information centres Engaging youth Using multiple activities is the best approach to informing the public 15

16 Thoughts as we begin session Importance of ongoing communication Sharing timely information on programs and initiatives Proactive disclosure and transparency are valued and foster public trust Environmental monitoring participation in development, design, implementation and results important Engaging the public and stakeholders is a joint responsibility: industry, regulator, government The public appreciates the opportunity to speak with experts directly Digital communications should continuously adapt to new trends 16