Department of National Defence report cards show Canada's naval bases aren't fully prepared for the possibility of a nuclear leak caused by a visiting foreign warship, the National Post reports.

The nuclear readiness tests were conducted in late 1997 and 1998 at three naval bases, with CFB Halifax getting the worst grade.

During the simulated accident Halifax officials failed to promptly notify off-site authorities of the emergency, didn't adequately track air quality and didn't secure access to the contaminated area.

Two Vancouver Island bases -- CFB Esquimalt and test ranges at Nanoose Bay -- fared better but still had problems with unprepared equipment, deficient evacuation plans and ineffective communications.

The bases are sometimes host to visiting warships that may be nuclear powered or potentially armed with nuclear weapons.

In May British Columbia Premier Glen Clark had sought assurances against nuclear warheads entering B.C. waters while the province and Ottawa debated the role of Nanoose Bay.

Minister of National Defence Art Eggleton said no nuclear weapons are specifically tested at Nanoose Bay and the site has been accident free for 30 years. Still, Ottawa could not give B.C. the guarantee it was looking for.