Mr. Speaker, this is an unworkable amendment. With regard to inspections, there are some points to make. First, there are occasions when inspections are and must be unannounced, as in many regulatory regimes, in order to permit an accurate evaluation of compliance with regulations and licence conditions.
Second, in many cases, particularly in the case of nuclear power plants, this amendment would be inefficient in that it would place an unworkable burden on inspectors as well as on the industry. The AECB has inspectors at each plant and on site inspection of a plant is a part of their daily routine.
To require those inspectors to be accompanied on their daily rounds would be unduly disruptive to the performance of their duties in addition to creating an unnecessary demand on the licensees.
This amendment may also compromise the regulator's ability to meet Canada's international obligations regarding non-proliferation of nuclear materials for non-peaceful purposes.
To satisfy new requirements currently being developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency to strengthen nuclear safeguards, the commission will need the capacity to inspect any facility where it believes unregulated nuclear activities are carried out. This amendment does not provide an exemption for this situation.
While this amendment is intended to apply to inspections, the wording of this amendment does not restrict the requirement to be accompanied by a member of the health and safety committee to that function. It would apply to all activities of inspectors.
The amendment is too broad in its scope for objectivity and efficiency. This amendment is unworkable and not acceptable to the government.