Question Period Note: Impact Assessment Act

Impact Assessment Act

• A strong economy depends on a healthy environment. The Impact Assessment Act protects the environment and respects Indigenous rights, while strengthening the economy and encouraging investment.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT ACT
o The Impact Assessment Act sets out a federal process for impact assessment of major projects that considers both positive and negative environmental, economic, social, and health impacts of potential projects.
o To support Canada’s competitiveness and attract investment, the impact assessment system provides clear expectations, shorter legislated timelines, and aims to avoid duplication with other jurisdictions wherever possible with “one project, one review”.

• On August 28th, 2019, the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) came into force, repealing the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. Two regulations also came into force to support implementation of the IAA: the Physical Activities Regulation and the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations.
• Key elements of the IAA include:
o One agency to manage impact assessments
 The new Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will lead all project reviews, and will work in cooperation with other regulatory bodies such as the new Canada Energy Regulator and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to conduct integrated reviews of designated projects.
o Early engagement
 The planning phase will bring greater certainty and predictability to the process by establishing, at the outset, requirements and expectations that will inform and guide a project assessment through to decision and beyond.
o Broader scope of assessment
 The IAA moves from environmental assessment to impact assessment based on the principle of sustainability. Impact assessments consider both positive and negative environmental, economic, social, and health impacts of potential projects. Decisions will be guided by science, evidence and Indigenous knowledge.
o Coordination of Crown consultation activities.
o Expanded regional and strategic studies.
o Decisions made in the public interest.

Question Period notes as provided by the Department to the Minister’s Office