Question Period Note: Former Bill C-69: An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts

On August 28, 2019, Bill C-69 came into force. The Impact Assessment Act has been operating as envisioned, with approximately 10 projects in the system as of September 2020. Three topics have had a higher profile:
• Teck’s Castle Project in BC was designated by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on August 19, 2020, as requiring an impact assessment. Both the company and the Mining Association of Canada expressed disappointment in the decision.
• Phase I and II expansions of the Vista Coal Mine project in Alberta were designated on July 30, 2020, by the Minister of ECCC. This decision reversed a December 2019 decision – made when information on the phase I expansion was not then known – that phase II would not require an impact assessment. The proponent is seeking a judicial review.
• Strategic Assessment on Climate Change (SACC): The SACC will guide consideration of climate change throughout the impact assessment process, and requires proponents to submit a plan for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Released on July 16, 2020, the SACC requires an evaluation of the extent to which the effects of a project hinder or contribute to the Government of Canada’s ability to meet its climate change commitments. (Regional Assessment Exemption Regulation: see offshore drilling QP card.) The Mining Association of Canada is concerned that the SACC places unrealistic demands on mining projects (rather than companies) to develop a net-zero plan by 2050, and has raised its concerns with the Minister of ECCC.
• In the September 23 Speech from the Throne, the Government announced its intention to legislate the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

• Canadians have told us that they want clean and affordable energy, and our government is delivering on this vision.
• Last summer, our government put in place legislation for major projects that:
o protects our environment, communities, and waterways;
o restores public trust and respects Indigenous rights;
o ensures good projects go ahead; and,
o supports new jobs and economic opportunities.
• We listened to Canadians every step of the way. The Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act reflect a balanced approach, informed by what was heard from Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, environmental groups, and the public over the course of our three-year engagement.
• We also recently announced our plan to legislate Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
If Pressed on Castle Project
• Our government is committed to ensuring our mining sector remains a source of quality jobs in all regions of the country.
• We remain committed to the principle of “one project, one review,” and through our cooperative agreement with the province of British Columbia, the Impact Assessment Agency will fulfill this commitment and ensure an effective and efficient assessment process.
If Pressed on Vista Coal Phase II
• Our government makes decisions based on the best evidence. As new evidence comes to light, we must make decisions which align with the facts.
• We are aware of the application for judicial review. As this matter is before the courts it would be inappropriate to comment further.
If Pressed on the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change (Net-Zero Plans)
• Canada’s natural resource sectors, including oil and gas, are a critical driver of the clean technology industry and achieving Canada’s climate goals.
• The goal of achieving net-zero by 2050 is ambitious, but necessary, and we cannot do it alone. The Strategic Assessment of Climate Change provides guidance and clarity to proponents on how to articulate a credible plan for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 for projects under federal assessment.
• The Government of Canada will work closely with project proponents to achieve net-zero goals.

N/A

None