Impact assessment 101
Disclaimer: This page provides a plain language overview of the impact assessment process. It does not replace or alter common or civil law or legal requirements under the Impact Assessment Act or regulations enacted under it. In the event of any inconsistency between this content and the Impact Assessment Act or regulations enacted under it, the latter prevails.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) facilitates the sustainable development of major projects through open and efficient assessments. These assessments identify ways to ensure the environment and Indigenous rights are protected as projects get built. To support needed investment in major projects, IAAC works closely with other jurisdictions to achieve the goal of “one project, one assessment.”
What is an impact assessment?
Purpose and benefits of impact assessments
When and why assessments are done.
Impact assessment process
How we assess the impacts of a proposed project and how you can get involved.
Basics of cooperation
How we work with others to reduce duplication and increase efficiency.
Training
Self-pace e-learning, live webinars, and training for people involved in impact assessments.
Other types of assessments
Regional assessments
These assessments aim to understand and manage impacts on a regional basis – making project assessments more efficient.
Strategic assessments
In this assessment, we look at current or proposed government policies, programs, plans, or other important issues.
Review panel assessments
These assessments are conducted by a panel of experts and operate independently from the federal government.
Integrated assessments
Find information on integrated assessments.
Transcript: How federal impact assessments guide responsible development in Canada
To be clear, let's acknowledge that federal impact assessments only pertain to major infrastructure and development projects, like hydroelectric dams, ports and large-scale mines.
I like to think of a federal impact assessment as a roadmap at the start of a project that will ultimately guide the design of the project so there is a better outcome for everyone involved.
In other words, our process helps understand and address the impacts of major projects on the surrounding people, places and biodiversity like plants and animals.
With assessments, we want to zero in on what matters to Canadians and Indigenous Peoples as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Things like impacts on Indigenous rights, water, species at risk, migratory birds and fish and fish habitat.
The process is all about making sure that natural resource and other kinds of major developments in Canada occur responsibly and sustainably, taking into account Canadian values, the environment and rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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