CNSC renews TRIUMF Accelerators Inc.’s Class IB particle accelerator licence for a 10-year period and transfers the licence to TRIUMF Inc.

Press Release

From: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

June 22, 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 licence held by TRIUMF Accelerators Inc. (TAI). TAI’s particle accelerator facility is located on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver,and on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The Commission also announced its decision to transfer the renewed licence from TAI to TRIUMF Inc., a not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. The renewed and transferred licence authorizes TRIUMF Inc. to continue to operate 7 particle accelerators 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 TAI, CNSC staff and 7 intervenors. 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 TRIUMF Inc. is qualified to carry on the activities that the renewed licence will authorize. It also concluded that TRIUMF Inc. will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, and the health and safety of persons.

The record of decision is available on request to the Commission Registry at [email protected]. The decision will also be posted in both official languages at nuclearsafety.gc.ca at a later date. All submissions, hearing transcript, 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

TAI applied for a 10-year licence renewal in March 2021.
In November 2021, TAI submitted a request for the Commission to transfer TAI’s licence, if renewed, to TRIUMF Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. In February 2022, TAI clarified its intention to amalgamate with TRIUMF Inc. at the beginning of the renewed licence term.
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 transcript and webcast are available online or by request).

The renewed licence is valid until June 30, 2032.

Quick facts

This licence renewal authorizes the operation of 7 particle accelerators by TAI for a period of 10 years.
Following the transfer of the licence from TAI to TRIUMF Inc., and the amalgamation of the 2 corporations, the same staff will be responsible for the operation, management and control of the licensed activities under the same programs.
A financial guarantee ensures sufficient resources are in place if a licensee is not able to fulfill its decommissioning obligations.
The revised financial guarantee of $14.78 million (as of March 31, 2023) through the instrument of an escrow fund has been accepted.

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