A regulatory perspective on recent developments in the Canadian nuclear power sector

The announcement by Ontario Hydro of its Independent Integrated Performance Assessment (IIPA) and the closure of seven of its nineteen operating reactors led certain segments of the public not only to question the industry's capability to operate these facilities safely, but also to question the effectiveness of the AECB. There are concepts and principles of regulation which appear to be difficult for the public to accept and sometimes difficult for the regulator and perhaps the industry to explain. These issues highlight for the AECB some of the areas in which improvement in its communications must occur. The AECB must improve communications with the public and make our information as widely and easily accessible as possible. The industry has also recognized it must improve its communication with the public. Nuclear safety and public acceptance of the industry is an international affair. Leaders in the commercial aspects of the nuclear industry, such as Canada, must not only promote and support safety culture and strong regulatory programs within the nations that are their customers if public acceptance is to be achieved