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EIA Systems in Canada

EIA Systems in Canada. Presentation to Canada-Chile Workshop November 30, 2004. Canadian Context. Canada – a federal state with: a national government 10 provincial governments 3 territorial governments many Aboriginal groups with emerging governance roles

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EIA Systems in Canada

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  1. EIA Systems in Canada Presentation to Canada-Chile Workshop November 30, 2004

  2. Canadian Context • Canada – a federal state with: • a national government • 10 provincial governments • 3 territorial governments • many Aboriginal groups with emerging governance roles • Environment – area of shared jurisdiction • Many EA regimes - 2 -

  3. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act:Key Principles • Public participation – timely and meaningful • Public registry • Participant funding program • Self-assessment • Conduct EA before deciding • Coordinate EA among jurisdictions • Cooperate with Aboriginal peoples - 3 -

  4. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act:Application • Applies to projects for which federal government has a decision: • is the proponent • provides financial assistance • provides federal land • issues permit or licence on regulatory list • Applied by over 30 federal organizations to 6,000-7,000 projects each year - 4 -

  5. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act:Application (cont.) • All EAs must consider: • environmental effects, including cumulative effects • significance of effects • public comments received • mitigation measures • More complex EAs include, in addition: • Alternative means • Follow-up program • Effects on renewable resources - 5 -

  6. Four Types of Federal EA Act Screening Comprehensive Study Mediation Review Panel - 6 -

  7. Screening • Projects least likely to cause significant environmental effects – 99% of EAs • Wide variety of project types (e.g., building expansion, dock repairs, minor roadworks) • Public participation discretionary • Decision by individual federal organization - 7 -

  8. Comprehensive Study • Larger-scale and environmentally sensitive projects – between 5 and 10 assessed each year • Projects identified on list established by regulation (e.g., marine terminals, oil refineries, large mines) • Public participation at several stages • Participant funding available • Involvement of Minister of the Environment - 8 -

  9. Mediation • Alternative to review panel if interested parties are few and consensus likely • EA assisted by mediator • No formal mediations to date • Agency focus on informal mediation, conflict resolution and capacity building in this area - 9 -

  10. Review Panel • Projects with potential for significant adverse environmental effects and/or which generate considerable public concern • Established at discretion of Minister of the Environment • Maximum public participation and participant funding • Cabinet considers panel’s recommendations • Currently 5 active panels - 10 -

  11. Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency – Key Responsibilities • Administers EA process • Manages public registry of all EAs • Provides guidance and training • Coordinates multi-jurisdictional EAs • Manages public review processes • Reports to Minister of the Environment - 11 -

  12. Conclusion • Continuous learning and improvement • Mandatory periodic review of Act • October 2003 – Act amended • Important improvements in public participation: • Ensure public has information on EAs • Expand opportunities for public participation • Better incorporation of aboriginal perspectives - 12 -

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