About Us
About the Society
The Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) was established in 1979 as "the technical society of the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA)". Although legally a division of the CNA, the CNS operated independently from the start, with its own volunteer Council (Board of Directors), its own mandate, its own activities, and its own budget. In 1998 the CNS incorporated independently as a federal, not-for-profit corporation, following an overwhelming vote from members. Since then the legal name of the CNS is "Canadian Nuclear Society/Société Nucléaire Canadienne, Inc.".
The CNS is dedicated to the exchange of information in the field of applied nuclear science and technology. This encompasses all aspects of nuclear energy, uranium, fission and other nuclear technologies such as occupational and environmental protection, medical diagnosis and treatment, the use of radioisotopes, and food preservation.
The primary category of CNS membership is that of an individual directly involved in the use or development of a nuclear technology in any of the above areas or an individual who is simply interested in nuclear technology.
Another category of CNS membership is that of an educational institution, such as school or university, or public library, that has an interest in providing timely information on nuclear science and technology to a student body or to the public at large. This type of membership has all the priveleges of an individual membership with the exception of voting rights.
The CNS is a member of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC).
Objectives of the CNS
The objectives of the Canadian Nuclear Society are as follows:
- to act as a forum for the exchange of information relating to nuclear science and technology;
- to foster the development and beneficial utilization of nuclear science and technology for peaceful uses;
- to encourage education in, and knowledge about, nuclear science and technology; and
- to enhance the professional and technical capabilities of those involved in nuclear science and technology in the Canadian context.
The Structure of the CNS
The CNS conducts its affairs through a council whose members are elected by the membership. The council is responsible to the membership in the development of policies and programs.
The CNS is organized into branches and technical divisions; both are directed towards involvement of the individual member:
- Branches are established on a location basis and hold local meetings and topical seminars on issues of interest.
- Technical divisions are established on a discipline basis and handle specific technical areas of interest. They organize conferences and promote and support Canadian participation in the world-wide exchange of nuclear-related technical information.