The legal, regulatory and constitutional framework within which Ontario Hydro's CANDU nuclear reactor plants operate

The legislation, both federal and provincial, applicable to the regulation of the nuclear reactors operating in Ontario is examined. The relevant provisions of the Atomic Energy Control Act and the Nuclear Liability Act are described. The constitutional validity of both these acts is examined. The criticisms leveled at the Atomic Energy Control Act and at the Atomic Energy Control Board are identified and possible solutions are proposed. Environmental legislation that could be applied to Ontario's nuclear reactors and the shortcomings of the legislation are examined. Since emergency response in the case of an accident at a nuclear plant is considered to be of importance, the legislation, both enacted and proposed, that addresses this issue is described. Canada's international responsibilities in the field of nuclear energy are discussed