Policy Framework for Regional Assessment under the Impact Assessment Act

1. Purpose

This policy framework guides the planning and conduct of regional assessments under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). It provides key elements, principles, and a general process for conducting these assessments. It is intended to assist those involved in regional assessments, including committees or the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) that are responsible for conducting regional assessments, federal departments and agencies, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, other jurisdictions, and the public. The policy framework will be updated as needed.

This document aligns with the Government of Canada’s approach to impact assessment, and with other IAAC policies and guidance supporting the implementation of the IAA. This document is provided as policy guidance on the implementation of the relevant statutory provisions.

2. Regional assessments under the Impact Assessment Act

Regional assessments allow the Government of Canada, together with other jurisdictions, to go beyond the scope of project-specific impact assessments to understand the regional context where development occurs (or may occur), and to consider the management of effects from a regional perspective. Regional assessments can consider project-specific impact assessments as part of their analysis; however, it is important to note that impact assessments of specific projects proceed in accordance with their legislative time limits, and separately from regional assessment timelines.

As outlined in paragraph 6(1)(m) of the IAA, one of the purposes of the IAA is "to encourage the assessment of the cumulative effects of physical activities in a region". Regional assessments can play a role in examining cumulative effects within a region. Regional assessments can also help ensure proponents and regulators have the information they will need to inform public interest decisions for federal impact assessments as set out in s.63 of the IAA.

Regional assessments under the IAA analyze both the positive and adverse effects of multiple existing and future physical activities in a specific geographic region^Footnote 1. Effects considered include environmental, health, social and economic effects, cumulative effects and impacts on Indigenous peoples and their rights. Considering interactive and intergenerational effects is important, as these are core to identifying contributions to sustainability. For the purposes of regional assessments under the IAA, physical activities can include past, current and future designated projects in the region.

Regional assessment is a flexible tool adaptable to a region’s specific characteristics and circumstances. As a result, the goals and outcomes of individual regional assessments may vary. For example, an assessment may focus on development in one industry sector or in multiple sectors within a geographic region. It may examine a broad range of environmental, health, social and economic effects, or focus on a more limited set of effects of interest.

3. Guiding principles

The following key elements and guiding principles are incorporated into the planning and conduct of regional assessments to ensure consistency with the purposes and requirements of the IAA.

Fostering sustainability

One of the purposes of the IAA is to foster sustainability. Section 2 of the IAA defines "sustainability" as the "ability to protect the environment, contribute to the social and economic well-being of the people of Canada and preserve their health in a manner that benefits present and future generations." Regional assessments can help contribute to sustainability by supporting a better understanding of positive and adverse effects occurring in a region. This includes gaining a better understanding of cumulative effects in a region and how they can be managed to a greater degree than may be possible at the project level. In this way, regional assessments can facilitate more effective management of effects, through mitigation and enhancement measures and the use of strategic tools including policies, plans and programs. Ultimately, this supports achieving Canada’s environmental commitments and contributes to the overall lasting well-being of the people of Canada.

Cooperation

Regional assessment provides opportunities for cooperation with other jurisdictions in planning and conducting assessments. They also provide recommendations for how the next steps and future follow-up and monitoring work could be undertaken in a cooperative manner. A regional assessment may involve other jurisdictions and multiple federal departments, depending on the location of the assessment, its objectives and the sectors or activities it is focusing on.

Indigenous involvement and engagement

Regional assessments are tools to understand and help manage issues that have the potential to impact Indigenous peoples and their rights. Engagement of Indigenous peoples will be undertaken in a manner that respects their rights and supports reconciliation.

The IAA recognizes the special Constitutional relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples, and the particular perspectives and interests Indigenous peoples bring to assessment processes. In its preamble, the IAA states the Government of Canada’s commitment to implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples and the IAAC implements the IAA in a way that aligns with the objectives and spirit of the UN Declaration, including fostering Indigenous leadership, collaboration and partnership.

Regional assessments offer opportunities to engage, collaborate or establish partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Modern Treaty Partners so that the objectives and outcomes of the process are aligned with their interests and are inclusive of Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives. Possibilities include regional assessments conducted by IAAC in partnership with Indigenous peoples and could include Indigenous partners in planning and conducting assessments and implementing their outcomes. Indigenous peoples may also make their own recommendations on how to implement the regional assessment and the regional assessment report conclusions once the assessment has been completed. The manner in which this is accomplished is determined with Indigenous peoples on a case-by-case basis, guided by the IAAC’s best practices and Government of Canada commitments, including:

• Guidance on Indigenous Participation in Impact Assessment;
• Guidance on Collaboration with Indigenous peoples in Impact Assessment;
• Guidance on Indigenous Knowledge under the Impact Assessment Act: Procedures for Working with Indigenous Communities;
• Policy Context on Assessment of Potential Impacts on the Rights of Indigenous peoples;
• The UN Declaration Act and UN Declaration Act Action Plan; and
• Canada’s Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy.

The IAAC is committed to deep engagement with, and participation by, Indigenous communities and Modern Treaty Partners to receive information, Knowledge and advice on regional assessment processes, including on the terms of reference for regional assessments. A range of engagement approaches are possible, such as Indigenous-specific engagement sessions, face-to-face dialogue, Indigenous-led research and studies to inform regional assessment and the establishment of Indigenous advisory bodies.

Funding to support Indigenous involvement in regional assessments is provided through the IAAC’s Participant Funding Program. The principles used to determine funding levels are based on a variety of criteria, such as the number and length of meetings involved; the complexity of health, social, economic and environmental conditions in the region; the complexity of research required to meaningfully participate and the complexity and length of documents to be reviewed.

Scientific information and Indigenous Knowledge

Regional assessments can take stock of, gather, analyze and incorporate relevant scientific information and Indigenous Knowledge, including Knowledge provided by Indigenous women. Both Indigenous and scientific Knowledge systems are to be equally valued and used in tandem.

Regional assessments will ensure the integrity, transparency and credibility of scientific information and Indigenous Knowledge by:

• actively seeking information from a variety of sources;
• making comments received available on the Registry; and
• posting on the Registry all information used in conducting a regional assessment, including expert advice from federal authorities, except in instances where the provision of information is dependent on that information being treated as confidential^Footnote 2
• Federal authorities in possession of expert knowledge or information related to the physical activities considered in a regional assessment must provide it to the IAAC or committee upon request. Other partners in the assessment, such as provincial jurisdictions, may also provide expert knowledge or other relevant information. IAAC or committees conducting regional assessments may also consult or procure the work of experts in a field related to the regional assessment, as well as receive information from any regional assessment participants.

The consideration of Indigenous Knowledge in a regional assessment must be based on a relationship grounded in respect and trust, and must conform to Indigenous communities’ protocols governing the use of their Knowledge. For more information on Indigenous Knowledge under the IAA, see the Guidance: Indigenous Knowledge under the Impact Assessment Act: Procedures for Working with Indigenous Communities.

Indigenous knowledge, including Knowledge provided by Indigenous women, is sought through ongoing relationships and dialogue with Indigenous communities and incorporated into regional assessments in a manner Indigenous peoples and Knowledge holders consider appropriate. Processes to include Indigenous Knowledge in regional assessments are inclusive of Indigenous women, youth, Elders, gender diverse and Two-Spirit peoples. Regional assessments are conducted in a manner that aligns with the Policy Context: Indigenous Participation in Impact Assessment and Indigenous Knowledge Policy Framework for Project Reviews and Regulatory Decisions. Indigenous Knowledge provided to the IAAC or committee in confidence must be kept confidential and not disclosed or posted on the IAAC website, unless certain exceptions apply (see section 119 of the IAA). For more information on handling confidential Indigenous Knowledge, see the Guidance: Protecting Confidential Indigenous Knowledge under the Impact Assessment Act.

Meaningful public participation

Meaningful public participation is a fundamental element of regional assessments and a legal requirement under section 99 of the IAA. The IAAC or the committee conducting a regional assessment must ensure that the public is given the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way.

Steps to enable meaningful public participation in regional assessments will reflect considerations articulated in the IAAC’s Framework on Public Participation. These include:

• providing opportunities to be involved in the planning of a regional assessment and to influence its design (e.g., approach, objectives, scope, planned outcomes, consultation and participation plans, as appropriate);
• providing opportunities for engagement and comment at key points throughout the regional assessment process; and
• ensuring information is made available to participants in a transparent manner, through the use of the Registry, so that participants have the necessary information to actively participate.

Funding to support public involvement in regional assessments is provided through the IAAC’s Participant Funding Program.

Predictability and transparency

Regional assessments are conducted in a fair, impartial and transparent manner, consistent with the purposes and requirements of the IAA. The IAAC or the committee must ensure that the information it uses when conducting a regional assessment is made available to the public. Information on completed and ongoing regional assessments can be found on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (Registry), including the status of the assessment, key documents and records associated with the assessment, and the public opportunities to participate in the process. This information includes:

• public notices or announcements related to the conduct of regional assessments, including opportunities for public participation;
• comments or submissions received from participants throughout the regional assessment process;
• information provided by federal authorities or other sources related to the regional assessment; and;
• documents produced by the IAAC or committee conducting the regional assessment, including the final report to the Minister.

Gender-based Analysis Plus

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) provides a framework to describe the full scope of potential positive and negative effects under the IAA. GBA Plus provides a framework and a set of analytical questions to guide regional assessments and to determine if there are different effects for subgroups of the population. Best practices can be found in IAAC guidance including:

• Guidance on Gender-based Analysis Plus in Impact Assessment; and
• Gender-based Analysis Plus Fact Sheet.

4. Objectives and outcomes of regional assessment

The central objective of regional assessments under the IAA is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of future federal impact assessment processes and decisions, which includes improving the understanding of cumulative effects in a region. Regional assessment may lead to different outcomes, as described further below. In general, regional assessments may:

• Contribute to the management of cumulative effects in a region.
• Enhance understanding of the socio-economic and ecological contexts in which development has occurred, or may occur, so that proponents and regulators are better placed to evaluate and mitigate effects of a project.

Regional assessments can be used to gather existing, available and new scientific, technical, cultural and Indigenous information and Knowledge. They can identify key data and information gaps and ways to address them, including initiating or completing new studies as part of the regional assessment itself. This information and data can be used as baseline information for subsequent project-level impact assessments and for other uses outside of federal impact assessments, as applicable. This may include informing provincial, territorial and Indigenous impact assessment processes, and decisions. It can also support proponents and regulators in evaluating the interplay between the criteria and the contexts within which the effects occur (such as the sensitivity, resilience, scarcity, stability and capacity of the receiving environment). Regional assessments may also be designed to be evergreen, meaning that relevant new information can be periodically included in the report as it becomes available. This ability to include new information in completed regional assessments can help to ensure that its findings remain up-to-date and relevant in the future.

Regional assessments may make recommendations on a range of issues, and propose mitigation and enhancement measures applicable to future projects (including measures to address cumulative effects and impacts on Indigenous peoples and their rights). Mitigation measures identified through a regional assessment inform mitigation requirements at the project level for future impact assessments. In addition, regional assessments can also identify and recommend buffers, thresholds or targets, as well as a means of enhancing lasting positive effects (e.g., contributions to reconciliation or ecological rehabilitation).

Results or findings from regional assessments do not apply retroactively to alter decisions of completed project impact assessments; however, the outcomes of regional assessments can inform follow-up and adaptive management measures of completed assessments. Proponents and jurisdictions can consider how the results of a regional assessment could be useful in the management of completed projects and if amendments to existing frameworks are appropriate.

Regional assessments supporting other processes

Beyond informing and influencing future project impact assessment processes and decisions, regional assessments can support or contribute to separate regulatory and planning processes applicable to the region. For example, a regional assessment could inform or influence future development scenarios in the assessed region and contribute to identifying and comparing alternative approaches for mitigating or avoiding adverse effects and enhancing lasting positive effects (e.g., contributions to reconciliation, ecological rehabilitation and lasting foundations for livelihoods). The use of regional assessment in this manner would depend on the interest of relevant jurisdictions in carrying out such processes and applying any relevant findings.

Regional assessments could also help identify specific sensitive areas (e.g., environmental or cultural) that may require special conditions for development, including additional protection or conservation measures. Information or results from regional assessments could, therefore, help inform potential conservation and sustainable development objectives, and recovery or resource management strategies for a region.

Examples of regional assessment outcomes

Regional assessment outcomes could include:

• Taking stock of and/or compiling existing and new information, such as information about the potential effects (and their interactions) from past, current and future projects and physical activities from a variety of industry sectors, as well as environmental, social, economic and health conditions. This could be gathered through analysis of existing data and undertaking new studies within the region related to topics of interest. Indigenous Knowledge may also be part of this information gathering.
• Contribute to analysis of cumulative effects from the various projects and physical activities and how cumulative effects in the regions can be managed.
• An analysis of mitigation measures and other measures to manage various effects within the region that would avoid or reduce adverse effects or enhance positive effects of projects and physical activities in the region. These outcomes could help inform other processes including project impact assessments and other regulatory processes.
• Recommendations arising from regional assessment findings such as mitigation and enhancement measures and other means of managing cumulative effects, follow-up and monitoring, needs for ongoing collaboration or filling data gaps, or avoiding sensitive areas. Recommendations may inform both assessments of proposed projects in the region and other regional initiatives, especially those meant to improve management of cumulative effects.

Federal-only regional assessment

Regional assessments that include areas outside of federal lands are intended to be conducted in cooperation with other jurisdictions. However, in circumstances where that is not possible there may still be benefit in undertaking a federal-only regional assessment that concentrates on the management of issues and effects within federal jurisdiction, providing valuable information, analysis, and recommendations. It could also provide information, analysis, and recommendations that may be utilized by other jurisdictions if they wish to do so.

Regional assessments and cumulative effects

The consideration of cumulative effects in regional assessments can be a useful tool to assess and propose effective management solutions at the regional scale. For example, regional assessments may identify measures that can reduce the contributions of future projects to adverse cumulative effects in the region or enhance positive cumulative effects and recommend other effects-management approaches for managing regional-scale issues. They may also highlight locations where the current or potential accumulation of activities and adverse effects may be of particular concern or where positive cumulative effects may be possible. This allows future projects and their effects to be placed in a "regional context" in subsequent project assessments. It should also clarify how project proponents and other participants can strengthen project contributions to sustainability.

Exclusions

In limited circumstances, another potential outcome of a regional assessment is the exclusion of projects from impact assessment processes. The IAA provides the Minister with the authority to make a regulation to exclude certain projects from federal impact assessment requirements in regions where a regional assessment has been completed under the IAA in relation to that type of project. The regulation would establish the conditions that must be met and the information that must be provided to the IAAC for projects to be excluded from the impact assessment process. The involvement of Indigenous groups in the development of the conditions will help facilitate the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives into any regulation.

Exclusion from impact assessment is not a typical outcome of a regional assessment. Such an exclusion can only be applied to a select few project types. The only physical activities that could be subject to this exclusion are those referred to in sections 34, 44 and 45 of the Physical Activities Regulations, which are offshore exploratory wells and offshore wind power generating projects. For example, on June 4, 2020, the Ministerial Regulations Respecting Excluded Physical Activities came into force, excluding offshore oil and gas exploratory drilling projects from impact assessment requirements when they are proposed in the geographical area studied by the Regional Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling East of Newfoundland and Labrador and when the project is in compliance with the conditions set out in the regulations.

5. Regional assessment process

The following list presents the phases of a regional assessment process under the IAA. Specific steps and the details of each phase will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

1. Minister decides to conduct a regional assessment

• Decision may result from a request from the public, an Indigenous community or organization, modern treaty partner, a recommendation by the IAAC, or when the Minister is otherwise of the view that a regional assessment is appropriate.
• The Minister’s reason for decision is posted on the Registry and provided to potentially affected Indigenous communities or organization or modern treaty partner.

2. Planning and engagement

• The IAAC seeks input to help plan and design the regional assessment, including its goal, objectives, outcomes and processes. Input obtained during this phase helps identify opportunities and approaches for participation and engagement.

3. Draft terms of reference posted for public comment

• The IAAC posts the proposed draft terms of reference on the Registry for public comment. This may also include a draft agreement or arrangement with other jurisdictions. Potentially affected Indigenous communities, organizations and modern treaty partners will be informed directly when documents are available on the registry to facilitate participation.

4. Minister establishes final terms of reference

• The IAAC posts the final terms of reference, as established by the Minister, on the Registry.
• The Minister establishes a committee or authorizes the IAAC to conduct the regional assessment.

5. Conduct of the regional assessment

• The specific activities and timeframe for a regional assessment are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• The regional assessment is conducted based on the terms of reference and guided by this policy framework and the IAA, including providing opportunities for public participation, as per section 99 of the IAA.

6. Draft regional assessment report for public comment

• Draft regional assessment report is available through the Registry for public comment.

7. Final regional assessment report submitted to the Minister

• The final regional assessment report is submitted to the Minister and posted on the Registry.
• On a case-by-case basis, the Minister may provide a response to the report and direction on actions related to the outcomes of the regional assessment, such as follow-up activities.

Considerations for selecting regional assessments

The Minister can decide to conduct a regional assessment under the IAA based on a request from the public or a recommendation by the IAAC, or when the Minister is of the view that it is otherwise appropriate to do so.

The IAAC supports the Minister with advice as to whether to undertake a regional assessment. The IAAC’s advice to the Minister on whether to conduct a regional assessment takes the following considerations into account:

• whether the assessment has the potential to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of future federal impact assessment processes and decisions. This includes the expected number, type and scale of future designated projects in the region and the potential to help understand and address effects within federal jurisdiction;
• whether there are overarching effects, including cumulative effects, that are likely to result from multiple projects or activities in a region, and that may be difficult to address through project-level impact assessments;
• whether the assessment could help inform impact assessments of projects in emerging sectors for which there is limited impact-assessment experience;
• whether existing or planned initiatives could adequately achieve the same objectives as a regional assessment; and
• the potential for effects of future development on Indigenous peoples and their rights, including cumulative effects.

Depending on the region, additional considerations may include:

• whether there are opportunities for collaboration or cooperation with other jurisdictions in the region;
• the level of public or Indigenous interest related to development and its effects (including cumulative effects) in the region; and
• whether there is an opportunity to use the regional assessment to exclude projects from impact assessment processes.

Anyone can request a regional assessment under the IAA. In accordance with the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations, the Minister has 90 days to respond to a request for regional assessment, with reasons. This decision is posted on the Registry, as required under subsection 97(1) of the IAA. For more information, consult the Operational Guide: Requesting a Regional or Strategic Assessment under the Impact Assessment Act.

Planning and engagement

Planning and engagement formally begin after the Minister has decided to conduct a regional assessment. However, early activities can begin after a request to conduct a regional assessment is received by the Minister, or when the Government of Canada is proactively considering whether to conduct a regional assessment on a particular issue. Overall, the earlier the engagement and opportunity to get involved in the regional assessment process the more effective and efficient the process will be.

Engagement in the planning stages may be conducted with other federal departments, stakeholders, relevant experts, the public, Indigenous peoples, modern treaty partners, and other jurisdictions, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Planning and engagement can inform many aspects of a regional assessment, including:

• the scope of the regional assessment;
• the development of objectives and potential outcomes;
• key issues to be considered and geographical boundaries;
• participation opportunities;
• the timeframe required to complete the regional assessment; and
• how the regional assessment would be conducted, including governance structures and mechanisms for participating and receiving input.

For every regional assessment, the IAAC supports the Minister in planning the assessment. This includes any engagement activities and the preparation of the proposed terms of reference. The terms of reference may indicate, among other things, who is conducting the assessment, the objectives, the process the assessment will follow, a time limit within which the assessment must be completed, and opportunities for participation and engagement.

Regional assessment by a committee or by the IAAC

The Minister decides whether a regional assessment is to be conducted and if it will be conducted by a committee or by the IAAC. The IAAC advises the Minister on this decision. IAAC’s advice takes into account considerations including whether the region is partially or totally outside of federal lands, potential opportunities to cooperate with other jurisdictions, the expertise available within the federal government to conduct the assessment, and the degree of concern expressed by Indigenous peoples and the public with regard to development in the proposed region and its effects.

IAAC-led regional assessment

The Minister may choose to authorize the IAAC to conduct a regional assessment. In cases where the effects relevant to a regional assessment fall within the mandate and responsibilities of multiple federal departments, a working group will be established to support the IAAC in conducting the assessment, in accordance with existing memoranda of understanding established between the IAAC and other federal departments. IAAC may also establish partnerships with interested First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty Partners to plan and conduct the regional assessment.

Committee-led regional assessment

A committee comprised of one or more experts can be appointed by the Minister to conduct a regional assessment where there is an agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction. The committee members are jointly appointed by the Minister and jurisdictional counterpart(s). Members are selected based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise relevant to the regional assessment, including their knowledge of the interests and concerns of the Indigenous peoples of Canada that are relevant to the assessment.

A flexible, case-by-case approach to appointing committee members enables the Minister to consider the specific context of each regional assessment while respecting the requirements of the IAA. When the Minister establishes a committee to conduct regional assessments, the IAAC supports the committee in its conduct of the assessment.

Regional assessment in cooperation with another jurisdiction

The Minister may enter into an agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction, including an Indigenous governing body, regarding the manner in which a regional assessment is to be conducted.

Cooperation could include working together to:

• Plan and design the assessment;
• Establish and support the committee;
• Jointly develop the terms of reference, including the regional assessment’s goal, objectives, outputs, approaches and governance;
• Considering and respond to the committee’s report and recommendations; and
• Implement follow-up actions.

Conduct of regional assessment and regional assessment report

In conducting a regional assessment under the IAA, the committee or the IAAC must fulfill the requirements of the terms of reference established by the Minister in a manner guided by this policy framework and the IAA.

One or more study areas may be defined as a regional assessment for the purposes of describing the current environmental, health, social and economic conditions, and for considering potential effects of development, including cumulative effects.

The conduct of the regional assessment will result in a draft regional assessment report, which, at a minimum, will be available through the Registry for public comment. The Registry is equipped with an online commenting tool to facilitate the submission of comments in real time. Once public comments are taken into account, the IAAC or the committee will submit the final report to the Minister and the IAAC must post a copy of the report on the Registry. Other public participation mechanisms may also be used during the regional assessment process.

On a case-by-case basis, the Minister may provide directions on actions related to the outcomes of the regional assessment, such as follow-up and monitoring activities. These activities may include, for example, actions to track the implementation and effectiveness of the regional assessment outcomes accepted by the Minister, as well as actions to regularly review the regional assessment and update it, as required.

Annex: Legal Context

Sections 6(1)(m), 6(2), 6(3), 92-94 and 96-103 of the IAA provide the legal authorities and requirements for regional assessments.

As per sections 92 and 93 of the IAA, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s (Minister) authority for undertaking regional assessments depends on whether the assessment would be conducted entirely on federal lands or not, as described below:

• Where a regional assessment occurs entirely on federal lands, the Minister may either establish a committee or authorize the IAAC to conduct a regional assessment.
• For a regional assessment in part on federal lands or outside of federal lands, the Minister may enter into an agreement or arrangement with other jurisdictions, as defined in paragraphs (a) to (g) of section 2 of the IAA, to jointly establish a committee to conduct a regional assessment, or the Minister may authorize the IAAC to do so.
• For a regional assessment where a foreign state or international organization is involved, the Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs may enter into an agreement or arrangement to jointly establish a committee to conduct the assessment.

The IAA also sets out legal requirements for conducting a regional assessment, including the following:

• The Minister must establish the terms of reference for a regional assessment;
• The IAAC or committee conducting an assessment must take into account any scientific information and Indigenous Knowledge that is provided, including the Knowledge provided by Indigenous women;
• Opportunities must be provided for meaningful public participation, and information used in regional assessments must be made available to the public;
• Federal authorities in possession of specialist or expert information or Knowledge related to the physical activities considered in a regional assessment must provide it upon request;
• The IAAC or committee conducting an assessment must provide a report to the Minister on completion of the assessment. It must specify how the IAAC or committee took into account and used any Indigenous Knowledge provided related to the assessment;
• When the IAAC conducts a regional assessment, it has obligations under the IAA to offer to consult and cooperate with other jurisdictions (as defined in paragraphs (a) to (g) of section 2 of the IAA) that have powers, duties or functions in relation to the physical activities that are the basis for the regional assessment; and
• The Minister must respond, with reasons, to any request that a regional assessment be conducted. The time limit for response is 90 days, in accordance with the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations.

The IAA requires that regional assessments be taken into account when the IAAC decides whether an impact assessment is required (paragraph 16(2)(e)), and as a factor in impact assessments (paragraph 22(1)(p)). In addition, the Minister may consider any relevant regional assessment when deciding whether to designate a physical activity under subsection 9(2). This policy framework does not provide a full list of legal authorities and requirements for regional assessment. Consult the Impact Assessment Act for more information.