Understanding the impact assessment process and act - A guide for media professionals

The Impact Assessment process is typically structured into five phases. Media professionals can follow these steps to stay informed and quickly find the information they need.

1. Planning

Watch for:

• Initial project description
• Public comment period and information sessions
• Participant funding
• Early decisions in the impact assessment process

Key insights:

• General scope of the project
• Main areas of concern and required studies
• Federal permits needed
• Whether an assessment will be substituted to a province

2. Impact statement

Watch for:

• Impact Statement
• Public comment period and information sessions

Key insights:

• Effects of the proposed project identified by proponent
• Potential solutions or mitigation measures proposed by proponent

3. Impact assessment

Watch for:

• Draft Impact Assessment report
• Public comment period and information sessions
• Public hearings or panel hearings (if led by a review panel)
• Further participant funding

Key insights:

• Specific effects of the proposed project
• Potential solutions or mitigation measures

4. Decision-making

Watch for:

• Minister's or Cabinet's final decision
• Legally binding conditions for approved projects

Key insights:

• Reasons for a decision
• Conditions and follow-up obligations for approved projects

5. Post decision

Watch for:

• Monitoring/follow-up on activities
• Notices of non-compliance or project changes
• Additional permit approvals
• Additional comment periods on changes to the project

Key insights:

• Enforcement measures to ensure accountability

Understanding the role of regional and strategic assessments

These assessments look beyond individual projects, examining broader policies and future activities.

Regional assessments

Evaluate multiple current or future activities in a given region for overall effects. They inform future project decisions.

Strategic assessments

Review government policies, plans or programs relevant to impact assessments, shaping future decisions.

1. Request

Watch for:

• Government/public request for assessment

2. Plan

Watch for:

• Public comment periods and information sessions

Key insights:

• Scope of assessment

3. Develop report

Watch for:

• Public comment period and information sessions
• Participant funding

Key insights:

• Main area of concern

4. Submit report

Watch for:

• Final report
• Findings and recommendations

Frequently asked questions

How can I stay up to date on all projects being assessed?

Subscribe to notifications on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry or consult the Registry directly.

Where can I get an update or find a report on a specific project?

Visit the Registry and search by project name to see all documents and updates.

How can I better understand the Impact Assessment Act and process?

We offer virtual training sessions four times a year, open to both the public and media. Upcoming sessions are listed on Canada.ca/IAAC.

What communications services do you offer to journalists?

• Fact-checking
• News releases and public notices in Indigenous languages (upon request).

What are your service standards?

We strive to respond within two business days. Complex questions may require additional time for thorough consultations.

When do you make announcements?

Ministerial decisions at the end of an assessment are often issued when markets are closed.

Visit our registry: Canada.ca/CIAR

Questions?

Contact us:

Email: media@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

LinkedIn: @IAAC-AEIC

Facebook: @EnvironmenhtandNaturalResourcesCanada

X: @IAAC_AEIC

YouTube: @IAAC_AEIC