The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is best described as the nuclear energy and materials watchdog in Canada. In addition to nuclear power plants and nuclear research facilities, the CNSC regulates numerous other uses of nuclear material. Some examples include radioisotopes used in the treatment of cancer, the operation of uranium mines and refineries, and the use of radioactive sources for oil exploration and in instruments such as precipitation measurement devices. The CNSC is an independent agency of the Government of Canada and operates in a transparent manner. Its operations are open to formal public scrutiny.