The Nuclear Security Regulations (NSR), initially amended in 2006, are being repealed and replaced to address evolving security threats, operational experience, technological advancements, and international best practices. Since the last significant revision, the nuclear security landscape has changed dramatically, with emerging physical, cyber, and insider threats, as well as new technologies and operational models such as small modular reactors (SMRs). The modernization aims to align Canada’s nuclear security framework with current international recommendations, guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and federal government directives, ensuring that nuclear facilities continue to effectively mitigate risks in a contemporary threat environment. A key driver for this regulatory overhaul is the need to move from prescriptive requirements to a performance-based approach, which provides licensees the flexibility to implement innovative technologies, processes, and security measures that meet robust regulatory objectives without imposing uniform solutions across diverse facility types.

The updated Nuclear Security Regulations introduce performance-based requirements while maintaining rigorous security standards, including new provisions for cyber security, protection of sensitive information, and revised security clearance procedures. This approach is designed to accommodate advancements in nuclear technology, cybersecurity measures, and operational practices, while fostering innovation and removing barriers to the deployment of SMRs. The structure of the Regulations has been reorganized to improve readability and clarity, and they incorporate peer-reviewed recommendations from international experts to ensure consistency with global nuclear security practices.

Public consultation played a critical role in shaping the new Regulations. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) conducted extensive engagement with industry stakeholders, government departments, and the public, including workshops and discussion papers, to gather input on potential costs, benefits, and operational impacts. This consultation informed the regulatory development process and confirmed the need for repeal and replacement rather than incremental amendments to the NSR. A cost-benefit analysis estimates a present value cost of $141.3 million and present value benefits of $221.5 million, resulting in a net benefit of $80.2 million.

The modernized Regulations respond to specific challenges identified since the last NSR revision, including evolving cyber threats, the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems, and global concerns about stagnating nuclear security practices. They also update security clearance standards in line with federal government policies, strengthen oversight of private security personnel, and remove prescriptive barriers that could hinder SMR development. By implementing a risk-informed, evidence-based, and technically sound framework, the Regulations support Canada’s international commitments, improve alignment with global nuclear security regimes, and promote a proactive, performance-based approach to safeguarding nuclear materials, facilities, and sensitive information. Overall, the repeal and replacement of the NSR is designed to ensure the continued protection of Canadians, the environment, and Canada’s nuclear infrastructure while enabling innovation and supporting emerging technologies.

Canada (219/2025) November 19, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.