SASKATCHEWAN AND CANADIAN NUCLEAR SAFETY COMMISSION AGREEMENT

Released on February 14, 2003

The Government of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) today announced the signing of an agreement that will lead to greater administrative efficiency in regulating the uranium industry. This initiative responds to a recommendation made by the Joint Federal-Provincial Panel on Uranium Mining Developments in Northern Saskatchewan and lays the groundwork for the two groups to coordinate and harmonize their respective regulatory regimes.

"Today's agreement will ensure collaboration between Saskatchewan Environment, Saskatchewan Labour, and the CNSC," Saskatchewan Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "A more harmonized regulatory system will mean more effective and efficient regulation of Saskatchewan's uranium mines and mills."

Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada with operating uranium mines. In the past, mine and mill operators have requested harmonization in areas such as inspections and reporting requirements involving Saskatchewan Environment, Saskatchewan Labour and the CNSC. This agreement is designed to address those concerns.

"We look forward to giving the uranium industry in Saskatchewan the benefits of a coordinated and harmonized regulatory regime," President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Linda J. Keen said. "This agreement provides a framework for federal-provincial collaboration of which we are very proud."

A summary of the agreement is available on the CNSC website at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca as well as the Saskatchewan Environment website at www.serm.gov.sk.ca and the Saskatchewan Labour website at www.labour.gov.sk.ca

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ruggles Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-5419	Rick McGabe CNSC Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-6378
Allan Walker Labour Regina Phone: (306)787-4481