CNSC renews the Class IB particle accelerator operating licence for Canadian Light Source Inc. for a 10-year period

May 31, 2022 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission’s decision to renew, for a period of 10 years, the Class IB particle accelerator operating licence held by Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI). The CLSI particle accelerator synchrotron facility is located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon, on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional territory of Cree peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. This decision follows a public hearing held virtually on March 23, 2022. The renewed licence authorizes CLSI to continue operating its particle accelerator synchrotron facility and to possess, transfer, use, and store nuclear substances arising from its operations.

In making its decision, the Commission considered oral and written submissions from CLSI, CNSC staff and 1 intervenor. The CNSC also made participant funding available through its Participant Funding Program, and invited interventions from Indigenous Nations and communities, members of the public and stakeholders. No participant funding applications were received for this proceeding.

After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that CLSI is qualified to carry on the activities that the renewed licence will authorize. It also concluded that CLSI will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, and the health and safety of persons. A summary record of decision is being issued at this time in light of the pending expiry of the current licence. The summary reflects the substance of the Commission’s decision with respect to this licence renewal and the applicable licence conditions. The detailed reasons for the Commission’s decision and its assessment of all the submissions made in relation to the application will be provided in a detailed record of decision, to be published at a later date.

The summary 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

• CLSI applied for a licence renewal in January 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 March 23, 2022 (hearing transcripts and webcast are available online or by request). 
• The renewed licence is valid until May 31, 2032.