"Canada will make operators of nuclear power plants liable for the first C$1 billion ($980 million) of damages in the event of an accident, up from C$75 million under existing rules, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver said on Monday."

"Oliver also told a nuclear conference that Canada's Conservative government intends to increase the period during which compensation claims can be made after a disaster to 30 years from 10 years.

'In Canada, the fundamental principle of our environmental liability regime is polluter pay,' he said, noting that the country's current rules on civil liability for power plant operators are almost 40 years old."

Peter N Henderson reports for Reuters June 11, 2013. [2]