Public Commission Hearings

Related Links

The Commission Tribunal makes decisions on the licensing of major nuclear facilities through a public hearing process.

The public hearing gives involved parties and members of the public an opportunity to be heard before the Commission. Following a public hearing, the Commission Tribunal deliberates and makes its decision on the matter.  The Commission Tribunal also holds public Commission meetings.

One-day or two-day hearings

Commission hearings are governed by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Rules of Procedure, under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Public hearings usually take place in a one or two-day process. Two-day public hearings take place on days that are usually 60 days apart. Most decisions involving major nuclear facilities are made through the two-day public hearing process.

One-day public hearing process

For a one-day hearing, all of the evidence from the applicant, CNSC staff and intervenors is heard by the Commission in a single hearing session. To allow potential intervenors to review the proposal and prepare for the hearing, written submissions from the applicant and CNSC staff must be filed at least 60 days prior to the hearing day.

Intervenors are then invited to register their submissions at least 30 days prior to the hearing. Participants may file supplementary information up to 7 days prior to the hearing day.

Commission hearings are normally open to the public, but some are also be held "in-camera" (closed session) in whole or in part. For example, certain protected information may not be discussed in a public forum.

During a public hearing, simultaneous interpretation in one or the other of Canada's official languages is provided when necessary. Verbatim transcripts are produced and published on CNSC’s Web site the week following each hearing day. The Commission's decision and its reasons for decision are normally published within 6 weeks after the conclusion of the hearing.

Two-day public hearing process

On Hearing Day 1 of a two-day public hearing, the applicant and CNSC staff present written and oral submissions to the Commission and respond to questions from the Commission. 

As with a one-day hearing, intervenors invited to register their submissions at least 30 days prior to the hearing. Participants may file supplementary information up to 7 days prior to the hearing day.

On Hearing Day 2, which usually takes place 60 days after Day 1, registered intervenors have an opportunity to make their views known to the Commission and to respond to any related questions from the Commission Members.

Usually, 30 days before Hearing Day 2, intervenors may file their intervention requests and submissions.  This means that intervenors have 30 days to review the information presented during Hearing Day 1 and submit their request before Hearing Day 2.

The applicant and CNSC staff must also attend Hearing Day 2 and be prepared to respond to further questioning by the Commission. 

Abridged hearings

Abridged hearings are held for less significant licence amendments. They deal with decisions that are more administrative in nature and there is less public interest in the matter being considered. 

CNSC’s Rules of Procedure change for abridged hearings, which could mean shortened notification requirements, reduced time periods and/or limited participation.  Abridged hearings may be held in a closed or public forum.

A Notice of Hearing about upcoming matters dealt with in abridged hearing process are published on the CNSC Web site. Webcasting and transcripts are also made available when abridged hearings are held in the public forum. Following the deliberations of the Commission Tribunal, a Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision is published on CNSC’s Web site.

 

Watch a public Commission hearing or meeting

CNSC offers online videos, or Webcasts, of its public hearings and meetings.  If you are interested in learning about what happens at a public hearing or meeting, watch public Commission hearings or meetings online.

Participate in a public Commission hearing

Members of the public are welcome to observe hearings or to formally participate as intervenors. Find out more on how to participate in a public Commission hearing.

For more information