Editor’s Message, April 2024

Happy spring, Bulletin readers!

Whether you are looking for something to read outside on a warm sunny day or while staying cozy and dry inside on a rainy day, we have a new issue of the Bulletin to accompany you.

In keeping with this season of growth, this issue brings together expertise in an integral area of radiation protection: the continual process of emergency preparedness.

Last fall, McMaster University and University Health Network both completed emergency response drills. McMaster exercised their transportation emergency response plan and University Health Network simulated a response of the Medical Emergency Radiation Incident Team (MERIT). In this issue, both share their experiences and highlight the critical aspect of co-operation among responding groups.

Health Canada’s Radiation Protection Bureau also shares a follow-up from Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) mission led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Canada is the first and only G7 country to request a mission to evaluate how prepared we are to respond to a nuclear emergency and to look for ways to improve.

Dave Niven interviews Kevin Nelson, chair of the IRPA 16 Organizing Committee, and Grant Cubbon is back with another CRPA(R) Q & A, this time with Brian Bewer.

The Federal Provincial Territorial Radiation Protection Committee (FPTRPC) shares a summary of their 2023 annual meeting, highlighting presentations from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Health Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and FPTRPC members.

We also introduce you to CRPA’s naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) Task Group, which is offering a Class 7 Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) for NORM training session at the 2024 CRPA Annual Conference!

I cannot believe how far we’ve made it into 2024 already, and how close the annual conference is! But fear not, as there is still plenty of time to register.

As the newest member of the Bulletin Editorial Board, I’d like to thank the chief and deputy editors (Dave and Grant), our volunteer translators, and Michelle Boulton and her production team, all of whom work to bring each issue together, for welcoming me to this wonderful group. I look forward to continuing to contribute and helping bring each issue to you!

May you have a happy and healthy spring as we count down the days to the Edmonton Conference!

Go well.