February 29, 2016 – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Congratulations!

“It all started in 1946, when the Atomic Energy Control Act, Canada’s first nuclear legislation, created the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB). At that time, the AECB’s only mandate was to regulate the nuclear industry’s research activities,” explains Michael Binder, CNSC president.

“Since this humble beginning, Canada’s nuclear activities have grown significantly. The introduction of radioisotopes in medical research and cancer treatment, the use of nuclear energy to generate electricity, and the development of uranium mines shifted the AECB’s focus to developing regulations that would address health and safety and the environment.”

In 2000, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act came into force, and CNSC replaced AECB.

“In a world committed to finding cleaner sources of energy, I believe that nuclear energy will continue to be part of the mix. And, therefore, a strong and effective nuclear regulator is a must!” concluded Binder.

For more on this story, including an interactive timeline, trivia and more, visit the CNSC 70th anniversary page, and be sure to follow CNSC on Twitter.