Impact assessment process

On this page

• Our role
• A phased approach
• How can I participate?

Our role

The assessments we lead are conducted by employees located at one of our six regional offices. Our staff have expertise in numerous areas, including science, environmental studies, law, and policy. We work with and gather information from project proponents, Indigenous Peoples, federal experts, and the public, among others. We also lead and coordinate opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and the public to participate in the process. The Impact Assessment Act includes specific provisions to ensure impact assessments are conducted in a manner that respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, advances inter-jurisdictional cooperation, where applicable, and integrates Indigenous Knowledge into the decision-making process.

A cooperative approach

To achieve the goal of "one project, one review," we work with other jurisdictions, such as provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governing bodies. This reduces duplication and increases efficiency. (Learn more about how we collaborate.)

A transparent approach

We post information and documents related to federal impact assessments on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry. Through the Registry, we also engage with and collect comments from Indigenous Peoples and the public. This ensures the impact assessment process is transparent.

Jurisdictional considerations

Federal impact assessment applies only to designated projects that are the most likely to have significant adverse federal effects.

A phased approach

Note: This page provides an overview of the process we follow when conducting a federal impact assessment. It does not deal with assessments carried out by other jurisdictions or by review panels.

The impact assessment process is organized into five phases:

1. Planning
2. Impact Statement
3. Impact Assessment
4. Decision
5. Post Decision (follow-up activities)

Phase 1: Planning

To begin, the proponent gives the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) a description of the project as required by the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations. This document is called the Initial Project Description. It includes the location of the project and identifies the communities and Indigenous Peoples that may be affected. This description is then posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry for comment.

Using the comments received, we prepare a summary of the issues raised that apply to federal jurisdiction and ask the proponent to respond. This summary is posted on the Registry.

Based on the project description and the comments received, we consider the potential adverse federal effects that project may have and decide whether an impact assessment is required. We also consult with the relevant provincial, territorial, and/or Indigenous jurisdictions to discuss ways to cooperate on an assessment, in the event one is required.

If a federal impact assessment is required, we give the proponent Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines for its projects. This document:

• outlines the information and studies the proponent must provide to inform the assessment
• explains how we will work with other jurisdictions
• outlines how we will consult with and engage with Indigenous Peoples and the public
• describes other activities, such as the types of permits required

Phase 2: Impact Statement

In this phase, the proponent assesses the impacts of the project, engages with Indigenous Peoples and the public, and submits a detailed technical document called an Impact Statement. That document is based on the requirements outlined in the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines issued by us in Phase 1.

The purpose of the Impact Statement is to identify and assess the impacts of the project, how various people may be affected, and the measures proposed to mitigate these effects.

Once we receive the Impact Statement, we begin reviewing the document and we invite comments through the Registry. The Impact Statement is also reviewed by other government experts and Indigenous Peoples. If information is missing, we will ask the proponent to provide it.

Once all required information has been provided, we begin to conduct the impact assessment.

Phase 3: Impact Assessment

We analyze the potential impacts of the project on the areas under our jurisdiction and draft the Impact Assessment Report. To do this, we review the Impact Statement and the input received from Indigenous Peoples, the public, federal experts, other jurisdictions (such as a province), and other participants.

The report:

• describes and assesses the information gathered
• explains what Indigenous Knowledge was obtained and considered
• provides an analysis of the direct or indirect adverse federal effects of the project and the extent to which they are significant
• proposes conditions to prevent or reduce adverse federal effects, including technically and economically feasible mitigation measures
• informs decision-making as to whether any significant adverse federal effects may be justified because they are in the public interest

Some parts of the report may be prepared by other jurisdictions like Indigenous governing bodies.

During this time, IAAC also prepares draft potential conditions. These conditions are designed to reduce potential negative impacts. If the project is found to be in the public’s interest, these proposed conditions may become legally binding. These draft conditions are publicly shared so everyone may provide us feedback.

The final report is then submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Phase 4: Decision

The Minister must make a decision or refer the decision to the Governor in Council who makes the decision. This decision is communicated by the Minister to the project proponent in a Decision Statement. It is also posted on the Registry along with the final Impact Assessment Report.

This statement informs the proponent whether the project is allowed to proceed. If it is allowed to proceed, the statement also lists the conditions the proponent must adhere to when carrying out the project.

The Decision Statement also indicates whether:

• the project is likely to cause significant adverse federal effects
• the extent to which these effects will remain significant after the proposed mitigation measures are applied
• whether any significant adverse federal effects are justified in the public interest

A Decision Statement also:

• lists any enforceable conditions to which the proponent must comply
• describes the necessary follow-up measures (refer to the next phase)
• indicates a time limit as to when the proponent must begin to carry out the designated project

If the project is being allowed to proceed, the proponent can begin to obtain any additional authorizations and permits required.

Phase 5: Post Decision (follow-up activities)

The Decision Statement is a legally binding document. To monitor whether the proponent is complying with the statement, we conduct inspections. If the proponent is found to be non-compliant, it is a violation of federal law, and the proponent can be fined.

We track and report on our follow-up activities to determine whether:

• the impacts of the project were accurately predicted
• the required conditions and follow-up measures were implemented
• the conditions were effective in preventing or reducing adverse federal effects
• the proponent is complying with the Impact Assessment Act and regulations

Indigenous Peoples and the public have opportunities to participate in both monitoring and follow-up activities.

If the proponent wants to make a change to the project, they must send details to us for analysis. If the change requires the conditions and/or project description to be modified, details of the change as well as our analysis are posted on the Registry. This is done to obtain feedback from Indigenous Peoples, the public, and other stakeholders.

How can I participate?

Meaningful engagement and consultation with Indigenous Peoples and the public is integral to the impact assessment process. We provide various opportunities to submit comments and attend information sessions and hearings. Learn how to participate in assessments.

Did you know? IAAC’s Participant Funding Program provides financial assistance to support assessment-related public engagement and Indigenous consultation.

Accessing details about assessments

Information and documents related to impact assessments are publicly available through the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry. Subscribe to the Registry’s notification service for up-to-date information and announcements on project assessments.

Proponents

The person or entity that will carry out the proposed project.

Federal

These are departments and agencies that have specialized information or knowledge. They must provide this information on request to IAAC (or another body that is conducting an impact assessment, such as a review panel). They must also engage with the proponent.

Summary of the issues

Document that allows participants to see how their comments and concerns have been characterized. Comments may be from multiple sources, such as other jurisdictions (provincial, territorial, federal, and Indigenous authorities), Indigenous groups, the public, and other participants.