E.1 Overview

Under the Emergency Management Act, the Minister of Public Safety is responsible for coordinating the Government of Canada’s response to an emergency. The Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP) is the Government of Canada’s all-hazards response plan. The FERP outlines the processes and mechanisms to facilitate an integrated Government of Canada o response to an emergency.

The federal response to emergencies is housed within the Government Operations Centre (GOC), which is managed by Public Safety Canada (PS) and is the single point of contact in emergencies. The GOC supports provincial and local authorities, and coordinates with federal government departments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and allied governments.

The National Emergency Response System (NERS) forms the basis for a federal response. The NERS:

  1. Provides for harmonization of joint federal, provincial, and territorial response to emergencies.
  2. Supports and facilitates procurement and logistics coordination between all levels of government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and international consulting partners.
  3. Applies to federal support at the request of a province or territory and can also be used when provinces or territories support federal response to an emergency under federal jurisdiction.

Health Canada administers the Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan (FNEP), which can be activated when:

  1. A nuclear emergency requires coordination between several Canadian provinces or territories.
  2. Federal response activities for multi-departmental offsite response must be managed and coordinated for a radiological or nuclear emergency.

The FNEP is an annex to the FERP and describes the roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of the federal government to support the scientific and technical response to radiological or nuclear emergencies.  

The FNEP contains provincial annexes which outline the provision of scientific and technical support from the federal government to provinces during a nuclear emergency.

The FNEP’s Ontario Annex functions as a pre-arrangement between the province of Ontario and the federal government for such support, under Section 6.3 of the Emergency Management Act. This arrangement alleviates the requirement for certain requests for response assistance. However, requests for support beyond those specified in the FNEP Ontario Annex must be made pursuant to the normal request for federal assistance process.

In the event of a radiological or nuclear emergency, the CNSC monitors and evaluates the onsite response of the licensee. In the case of an event with no identified licensee, the CNSC, in compliance with the NSCA and Regulations:

  1. Oversee and regulate the response activities of the licensees responding to the event.
  2. Ensure the health, safety, and security of licensee, the response staff, the public and the environment.
  3. Ensure compliance with Canada’s international obligations.

In either case, the CNSC implements their CNSC Nuclear Emergency Response Plan.

In accordance with the FNEP and with the NERS, in the event of a nuclear emergency, the federal government (through PS) will liaise with the provinces and territories as well as with neighbouring countries and the international community.

NRCan administers the NLCA, which governs the compensation regime in the event of a nuclear emergency.

The federal government further coordinates Canada’s response (through Global Affairs Canada) should Canadians be affected by a nuclear emergency that occurs in a foreign country.

The following departments have agreed to assume the identified responsibilities within the PNERP.

E.2 Health Canada

The following sections detail the responsibilities for Health Canada within the PNERP.

E.2.1 Planning and preparedness

Under the PNERP, Health Canada will:

  1. Execute the applicable preparedness responsibilities described in the Provincial Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Framework prior to a radiological or nuclear emergency.
  2. Ensure that federal and provincial nuclear emergency management activities are supported and coordinated in conjunction with the PNERP and FNEP and its Ontario Annex
  3. Work with the province and other supporting organizations to put in place appropriate safety measures to protect the public and emergency workers from immediate and delayed health effects that may result from a radiological or nuclear event, and to mitigate the impacts of such an event on property and the environment.
  4. On an annual basis, provide the province with most current data from their Fixed Point and other radiological monitoring networks.
  5. Assist the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) in maintaining an environmental radiation database.
  6. Develop departmental procedures for carrying out the collection, delivery and radio- analysis of samples, and other assigned actions, as required under the Environmental Radiation and Assurance Monitoring Group (ERAMG) Plan
  7. Ensure that HC / FNEP Technical Assessment Group (TAG) staff working in the PEOC have an overall knowledge of their emergency plans and PNERP.
  8. Participate in Public Education and Awareness Program by maintaining respective strategies and products in accordance with the in Public Education and Awareness Strategy.

E.2.2 Provision of personnel

Under the PNERP, Health Canada will:

  1. Provide suitable Health Canada personnel for staffing various positions in the province’s Emergency Response Organization (ERO) including the PEOC Operations Section and qualified personnel for the ERAMG-PEOC Team and ERAMG-Field Team
  2. Provide a suitable representative to participate on inter-organizational NEMCC sub-committees and working groups set up under the PNERP to ensure alignment and address inter-organizational issues.

E.2.3 Response

Under the PNERP, Health Canada will:

  1. Execute the applicable responsibilities described in the PNERP at the first practicable occasion during a nuclear emergency.
  2. In the event of a nuclear emergency requiring a coordinated Government of Canada response, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness Canada shall be responsible for overall federal coordination unless otherwise specified. The federal technical support and coordination would be led by Health Canada as per the FNEP and the Ontario Annex
  3. During a radiological or nuclear emergency, ensure coordination and communication between the Scientific Section and the FNEP TAG, including the provision of offsite assessments to support situational awareness.
  4. The FNEP TAG members of the PEOC shall provide scientific and technical information and advice to the PEOC Scientific Section to assist in performing its functions.
  5. Coordinate the release and content of emergency information for public release with the PEOC Public Information Management Section
  6. As lead of the FNEP TAG, provide offsite atmospheric dispersion modelling and dose assessments to the PEOC Scientific Section to support protective action decision-making.

E.2.4 Training and exercises

Under the PNERP, Health Canada will:

  1. Execute the training and exercise responsibilities described in the Nuclear Training Program and the Nuclear Exercise Program prior to a radiological or nuclear emergency to ensure appropriate training of HC staff.
  2. Participate in training and exercises held by the province according to a mutually agreed schedule.
  3. Arrange appropriate training of FNEP TAG staff involved in the Scientific Section of the PEOC.

E.2.5 Study and research

Under the PNERP, Health Canada will:

  1. Make available to the province the results of studies and research, which affect offsite safety. Within available resources, participate in such studies and research undertaken by the province.
  2. Provide the province with, or assist the province in obtaining information, studies, and research, having a bearing on offsite safety, from international agencies, other countries, and other provinces of Canada.

E.3 Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The following responsibilities have been agreed to pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) maintained between CNSC and EMO, in accordance with their respective mandates under the federal NSCA and the provincial EMCPA with respect to nuclear safety regulation, public safety, and protection of the environment in the province of Ontario.

The CNSC adheres to the following principles regarding nuclear emergency management:

  1. The top priorities in managing a nuclear emergency are health, safety, security, and the environment.
  2. Nuclear emergencies are managed in accordance with Section 9 of the NSCA, which outlines the mandate of the Commission.
  3. A risk-informed approach is used.
  4. Activities are coordinated with relevant consulting partners.

E.3.1 Planning and preparedness

Under the PNERP, CNSC will:

  1. Execute the applicable preparedness responsibilities described in the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Framework prior to a radiological or nuclear emergency.
  2. The CNSC maintains a Nuclear Emergency Response Plan, along with supporting procedures and guidelines, to address the CNSC’s response to a nuclear emergency.
  3. Pursuant to MOU article 3, the CNSC and EMO:
    1. Consult on the development and implementation of Commission regulations as they affect nuclear safety, regulation, public safety, and the protection of the environment within Ontario as well as nuclear events and issues occurring outside, particularly as they affect Class I nuclear facilities.
    2. Consult on the evolution and implementation of the PNERP as well as the Commission’s Nuclear Emergency Plan
    3. Facilitate contact with other federal, provincial, municipal, or non-governmental organizations.
    4. Facilitate contact with foreign governments and international organizations recognizing that EMO maintains contact with contiguous U.S. states regarding nuclear emergency preparedness and response.
    5. Pursuant to MOU article 4, provide EMO with annual reports of radiological environmental monitoring.
    6. CNSC staff working in the PEOC should have an overall knowledge of their emergency plans and the PNERP.
    7. Participate in Public Education and Awareness Program by maintaining respective strategies and products in accordance with the in Public Education and Awareness Strategy.

E.3.2 Provision of Personnel

Under the PNERP, CNSC will:

  1. Pursuant to MOU article 7:
    1. Provide staff for the PEOC Operations Section to liaise with the CNSC’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and technical personnel to work in the PEOC scientific section during an emergency.
    2. Exchange current contact numbers for duty personnel and operations centres.
  2. Provide a suitable representative to participate on inter-organizational NEMCC sub-committees and working groups set up under the PNERP to ensure alignment and address inter-organizational issues.

E.3.3 Response

Under the PNERP, CNSC will:

  1. Execute the applicable responsibilities described in the PNERP at the first practicable occasion during a nuclear emergency.
  2. Maintain the capability to receive notice of actual or potential nuclear emergencies and ensures that its Nuclear Emergency Response Plan can be activated at any time.
  3. Pursuant to MOU article 7, provide EMO with timely notification of actual or potential nuclear, radiological, and other related emergencies.
  4. The CNSC’s EOC is activated in the event of a nuclear emergency.
  5. The CNSC activates its EOC and assembles staff who have a role to play in order to provide assurance that appropriate actions are taken by the licensee and response organizations, to limit the risk to health, safety, security of the public and the environment.
  6. For nuclear emergencies involving licensed facilities and substances, the CNSC:
    1. Performs regulatory oversight of the licensee’s activities (monitoring the response actions, evaluation of protective action recommendations, and, when appropriate, direction in the form of directives and orders)
    2. Performs an independent assessment of the Onsite conditions and potential offsite consequences, to provide or confirm the licensee’s recommendations concerning any protective measures that may be needed.
  7. The CNSC plays a supporting role to the response under the FNEP. This includes (but is not limited to) providing technical assistance and support to the lead organization, in accordance with CNSC’s authorities and responsibilities.
  8. The CNSC provides support to the whole-of-government response for nuclear emergencies involving non-licensees, such as foreign emergencies and malevolent acts.
  9. During a nuclear emergency, the CNSC co-ordinates its activities with consulting partners and, as appropriate, shares information to enable informed and efficient decision-making. Where necessary, the Nuclear Emergency Organization (NEO) advises the CNSC in making timely regulatory decisions related to the emergency.
  10. Coordinate the release and content of emergency public information for public release with the PEOC Public Information Management Section.

E.3.4 Training and Exercises

Under the PNERP, CNSC will:

  1. The CNSC may participate in training and exercises held by the province.
  2. Pursuant to MOU article 6, the CNSC and EMO:
    1. Exchange information on training, drill, and exercise schedules at least once per year.
    2. Identify mutual training opportunities.
    3. Support each other during exercises.
    4. Arrange appropriate training of CNSC staff involved in the scientific section of the PEOC.

E.3.5 Study and Research

Under the PNERP, CNSC will:

  1. Make available to the province the results of studies and research, which affect offsite safety. Within available resources, participate in such studies and research undertaken by the province, if invited to do so by the province
  2. Provide the province with, or assist the province in obtaining information, studies and research having bearing on offsite safety, from international agencies, other countries, and other provinces of Canada
  3. Share studies published by CNSC staff once published.

E.4 Public Safety Canada

The following sections detail the responsibilities for Public Safety Canada (PS) within the PNERP.

E.4.1 Planning and preparedness

Under the PNERP, PS will:

  1. Execute the applicable preparedness responsibilities described in the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Framework prior to a radiological or nuclear emergency.
  2. Confirm that federal and provincial nuclear emergency management activities are supported and coordinated in conjunction with the PNERP and FNEP
  3. Confirm that threats, alerts, and advisories are issued to the PEOC to communicate information about potential, imminent, or actual threats that endanger public health and safety.
  4. Public Safety Canada staff working in the PEOC should have an overall knowledge of their emergency plans and the PNERP.
  5. Participate in Public Education and Awareness Program by maintaining respective strategies and products in accordance with the in Public Education and Awareness Strategy.

E.4.2 Provision of Personnel

Under the PNERP, PS will:

  1. Provide a suitable representative to participate on inter-organizational NEMCC sub- committees and working groups set up under the PNERP to ensure alignment and address inter-organizational issues.
  2. Provide suitable Public Safety personnel for staffing various positions in the province’s emergency management organization including the PEOC Operations Section.

E.4.3 Response

Under the PNERP, PS will:

  1. Execute the applicable responsibilities described in the PNERP at the first practicable occasion during a nuclear emergency.
  2. Confirm that the GOC is notified, to facilitate the coordination of federal activities relating to areas of federal jurisdiction. This may include liaising with any other potentially affected province, with United States, any other country, and international agencies.
  3. Notify the province, as soon as possible, of any report received of an occurrence, which has resulted, or has the potential to result, in the receipt by any person offsite (in Ontario) of a dose of ionizing radiation in excess of prescribed regulatory limits.
  4. Coordinate the release and content of emergency public information for public release with the PEOC Public Information Management Section.

E.4.4 Training and exercises

Under the PNERP, PS will participate in training and exercises held by the province.

E.4.5 Study and research

Under the PNERP, PS will provide the province with, or assist the province in obtaining information, studies and research, having a bearing on offsite safety, from international agencies, other countries, and other provinces of Canada.

E.5 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Regional Office

The following sections detail the responsibilities the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Ontario Regional Office has agreed to within the PNERP.

E.5.1 Planning and preparedness

Under the PNERP, CFIA will:

  1. Execute the applicable preparedness responsibilities described in the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Framework prior to a radiological or nuclear emergency.
  2. Assist in the development and implementation of a public awareness and education program for farmers, and federally regulated food processing facilities and abattoirs prior to a nuclear emergency.
  3. Prepare plans, federally regulated food processing facilities and abattoirs together with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA), to provide information and advice to farmers, and federally regulated food processing facilities in the DPZ of each reactor facility for the initial stages of an emergency. This includes the preparation of advisories covering different situations.
  4. Participate in the preparation of plans and procedures for Environmental Radiation and Assurance Monitoring for nuclear emergencies.
  5. Plan and prepare ingestion control measures in the DPZ of each reactor facility as a protective measure to minimize the radiation hazard.
  6. Maintain an information database relating to federally regulated food processing facilities and abattoirs for use in nuclear emergency planning and management. The nuclear data shall be organized to allow access to information for the DPZ and each sub zone of the IPZ around each reactor facility.
  7. Departmental staff working in the PEOC should have an overall knowledge of their emergency plans and the PNERP.
  8. Assist the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) in maintaining an environmental radiation database.
  9. Participate in Public Education and Awareness Program by maintaining respective strategies and products in accordance with the in Public Education and Awareness Strategy.

E.5.2 Provision of personnel

Under the PNERP, CFIA will:

  1. Provide suitable personnel for staffing various positions in the province’s emergency management organization, including qualified personnel for the ERAMG-PEOC Team and ERAMG-Field Team
  2. Provide a suitable representative to participate on inter-organizational NEMCC set up under the PNERP to ensure alignment and address inter-organizational issues.

E.5.3 Response

Under the PNERP, CFIA will:

  1. Execute the applicable responsibilities described in the PNERP at the first practicable occasion during a nuclear emergency.
  2. Act as the main federal department through which food ingestion control operations shall be conducted by the PEOC at the first practicable occasion during a nuclear emergency.
  3. Execute a sampling program and other assigned actions required under the ERAMG Operations Manual at the first practicable occasion during a nuclear emergency.
  4. Liaise with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and OMAFA at the first practicable occasion during a nuclear emergency to assist in securing agricultural commodities in affected areas.
  5. Provide advice and guidance to farmers and federally regulated food processing facilities and abattoirs on the humane transport of animals during evacuations or other displacements.
  6. Provide advice related to the import and export of potentially contaminated food products and bottled water in the affected zone, assist with the facilitation of food embargoes through appropriate channels.
  7. Channel emergency public information for public release through the PEOC Public Information Management Section.

E.5.4 Training and exercises

Under the PNERP, CFIA will execute the training and exercise responsibilities described in the Nuclear Training Program and the Nuclear Exercise Program prior to a radiological or nuclear emergency to ensure appropriate training of departmental staff.

E.5.5 Study and research

Under the PNERP, CFIA will participate in studies and inter-comparisons in the area of environmental radiation monitoring and analysis of the impact of radiation on the food chain.