36th Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) Annual Conference and 40th CNS/Canadian Nuclear Association Student Conference June 21, 2016 Toronto, ON The CNSC s Approach to Communications Jason K. Cameron Vice-President, Regulatory Affairs Branch and Chief Communications Officer Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission e-doc: 5014340
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 nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 2
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 Commission hearing held for the licence renewal of Nordion Public hearings a cornerstone of the CNSC s decision-making process nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 3
Internal Communications Approach Staff are informed through a variety of means, including: Intranet internal e-newsletter (Synergy), issued every two weeks all-staff emails information sessions (e.g., lunch n learns) Staff are our best ambassadors nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 4
External 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 nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 5
External Communications Activities Some of our key activities include: 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 nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 6
Outreach Multi-faceted approach including: open houses and meetings activities in nuclear host communities youth-related activities activities aimed at informing medical practitioners and licensees CNSC 101 o o Launched in 2010 to build public understanding of Canada s nuclear regulatory regime 880 participants in 24 locations through 36 sessions in 3 years CNSC 101 session with high school students, Coral Harbour, NU (February 3, 2015) Improving public understanding and seeking feedback nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 7
Environmental Monitoring To independently verify that the public and the environment around nuclear facilities are safe and not adversely affected by facility activities Involvement of stakeholders is essential nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 8
Public and Media Inquiries Public information inquiries in 2015 Over 1,600 public information inquiries (30% phone, 70% email) Most frequent inquirers: members of the public, private companies, licensees Most common subjects: document requests, exposure device operator inquiries, licensing questions Media inquiries in 2015 60 media calls Main issues: KI (potassium iodide) pills, waste, Fukushima Daiichi accident and uranium mining Responding to questions and concerns nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 9
Emergency Communications Emergency protocols in place and tested Staff trained to provide media interviews and technical briefings Tools updated on an ongoing basis (e.g., crisis website) Regular exercises to test our ability to coordinate communications across organizations (e.g., Exercise Intrepid 2015) Prepared to respond nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 10
Digital Presence Multiple tools used to: promote activities across the regulatory lifecycle highlight the CNSC s expertise develop educational and contextual information leverage opportunities Providing timely updates on inspection CNSC Online interactive module Using available channels to reach our stakeholders Video: What is Radiation? (130,000 views on YouTube) nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 11
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 and certain Class II facilities Ensures information is effectively communicated to public; commensurate with public perception of risk and level of public interest Requires licensees to define audience, develop a strategy, provide ongoing information and publicly disclose information CNSC assesses PIDPs annually Informing the public is a joint responsibility NB Power employee talks to fishermen near the Point Lepreau Generating Station nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 12
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 nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 13
Concluding Thoughts 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 nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 14
Thank you! Questions? nuclearsafety.gc.ca 21.06.16 15