Tailored Information and Studies Guidelines Template (generic interim version)

For designated projects subject to the Impact Assessment Act

Revised June 2026 (interim version)

This is an interim document. Content will change as a result of ongoing engagement and feedback received. Please check back regularly for updates. This generic interim version is focused on paragraphs (a) to (g) of the definition of adverse effects within federal jurisdiction under section 2 of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). Other versions may be developed or available, including a version for nuclear reactor projects subject to the IAA and the Nuclear Safety Control Act as well as a version for projects subject to the IAA and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

Contents

• Abbreviations and definitions
• Using the Template
• 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Scope of the impact assessment
  • 1.2 Selection of Valued Components
  • 1.3 Federal permitting coordination
• 2 Project description
  • 2.1 Project overview
  • 2.2 Project components and activities
  • 2.3 Receiving environment
  • 2.4 Project purpose, need and alternatives considered
• 3 Fish and fish habitat [and marine plants]
  • 3.1 Baseline conditions for fish and fish habitat [and marine plants]
  • 3.2 Effects to fish and fish habitat [and marine plants]
• 4 Migratory birds
  • 4.1 Baseline conditions for migratory birds
  • 4.2 Effects to migratory birds
• [Other VC(s) selected by IAAC related to adverse federal effects]
• 5 Indigenous Peoples
  • 5.1 Indigenous physical and cultural heritage, and structures, sites, or things of significance
  • 5.2 Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes
  • 5.3 Health, social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples
  • 5.4 Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• 6 Contributions to inform decision making
  • 6.1 Canada’s environmental obligations and climate change commitments
  • 6.2 Sustainability

Abbreviations and definitions

Term

Definition

Adverse federal effects

“Adverse effects within federal jurisdiction” and “direct or incidental adverse effects” as defined under the Impact Assessment Act

IAA

Impact Assessment Act

IAAC

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

COPC

Contaminant of Potential Concern

ECCC

Environment and Climate Change Canada

GBA Plus

Gender-based Analysis Plus

GHG

Greenhouse gas

HHRA

Human Health Risk Assessment

IEPP

Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan

Key issue

An effect pathway to a Valued Component that is material to IAA decision making and is a priority concern or interest requiring in-depth assessment.

LSA

Local Study Area

[For projects that reference MDMER: MDMER]

Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations

Minister

Minister of Environment and Climate Change

PA

Project Area

RSA

Regional Study Area

SARA

Species at Risk Act

SACC

Strategic Assessment of Climate Change

TISG

Tailored Information and Studies Guidelines

VC

Valued component

Using the Template

The Tailored Information and Studies Guidelines (TISG) are a key document of the impact assessment process that outlines the required information and studies that the proponent must include in its Impact Statement to assess the effects of its project. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), or the independent review panel, will consider the information and studies received from the proponent, as well as other information, knowledge and input gathered through the impact assessment process when drafting the Impact Assessment Report. This report will inform federal decision making under the Impact Assessment Act.

The Government of Canada is committed to meeting the objective of “one project, one review”. IAAC will work to avoid duplication with other jurisdictions (e.g. provincial governments), and to increase efficiency when developing project-specific TISG. This may include issuing joint TISG, deferring to the requirements of other jurisdictions where overlap exists (e.g. provincial regulatory requirements), and/or leveraging the means of other jurisdictions to simplify requirements (e.g. relying on provincial standards). In addition to following relevant cooperation agreements, IAAC is committed to recognizing the requirements of other processes – including provincial processes and federal permits – to eliminate duplication. For assessments substituted to a provincial process, the TISG will be developed by the other jurisdiction. For assessments substituted to a harmonized process; IAAC, the other jurisdiction (e.g. province) or both together may develop the TISG.

The following Tailored Information and Studies Guidelines Template (the Template) is the starting point to tailor project-specific TISG. Project-specific TISG will be tailored to focus on key issues material to decision making following the impact assessment based on the project and its context, as well as on available information and knowledge.

To facilitate tailoring, the Template includes tailoring guidance that identifies when requirements are anticipated to be relevant only in specific circumstances – these are presented in square brackets throughout the Template. Tailoring instructions are in blue highlight. Additional requirements beyond those in the Template may be included in the TISG for individual projects, where required.

The Template uses the term “must” to identify requirements (i.e. elements that have to be followed). However, the Template will be tailored to specific projects, including project-specific key issues, and thus not all requirements in the template will necessarily apply to all projects (i.e. some will be tailored out). Other terms such as “encourage” are intended to provide recommendations that will support an efficient process.

In the Template, the term "Indigenous group" refers to a collective of Indigenous People who hold Aboriginal and/or treaty rights as recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; while “Indigenous Peoples” is a collective term that refers to First Nations Peoples, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. These are the three groups of Indigenous Peoples recognized by the Canadian Constitution. IAAC will work with the Indigenous groups identified for consultation and engagement for each project to determine the most appropriate terminology for project-specific TISG and the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan. Terminology may vary, for example, Indigenous groups may be replaced with Indigenous communities and Indigenous Nations, and, in some cases, Indigenous organizations may be most appropriate.

The TISG will be issued to the proponent as part of the Notice of Commencement and posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry Internet site.

1 Introduction

The federal impact assessment process prevents or mitigates significant adverse effects within federal jurisdiction — and significant direct or incidental adverse effects — by anticipating, identifying and assessing the effects of designated projects in order to inform decision making under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). These Tailored Information and Studies Guidelines (TISG) for [insert: Name of project] (the project) proposed by [insert: Name of Proponent] (the proponent) were tailored by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC). The TISG specify the information and studies that IAAC considers necessary for the conduct of the impact assessment based on adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and direct or incidental adverse effects (collectively referred to as adverse federal effects hereafter) that could potentially be significant.

The proponent must prepare an Impact Statement that includes the information and studies outlined in these TISG, as well as the generic requirements for Impact Statements in Annex 1 [add Generic Requirements for Impact Statements as an annex to this document; state if elements of the generic assessment methodology are not required to be followed in order to support alignment with the process of another jurisdiction].

[Specify as applicable: The term “Impact Statement” refers to the information and studies that must be provided by the proponent in relation to the requirements of these TISG, including generic requirements in Annex 1. The information and studies may be provided as a single document or in a series of documents as set out in the Service Standard Agreement for the project.]

[IAAC or A review panel] will use the proponent’s Impact Statement along with other available information to prepare an Impact Assessment Report.

The proponent is encouraged to engage IAAC as early as possible to clarify the requirements in the TISG and to support early resolution of issues. The proponent is also encouraged to submit interim documents for early review by IAAC such as topic-based interim technical reports which can follow the sequence of the TISG which incorporate Indigenous and pubic engagement on the topic. A table of concordance can be provided to indicate where the information set out in these TISG has been provided. For an efficient review of submissions, IAAC may establish technical advisory groups comprised of Indigenous groups, federal authorities, provincial authorities and/or other relevant parties or experts.

Where the proponent is of the opinion that certain information is not required or cannot be provided, it should contact IAAC prior to submitting the Impact Statement to confirm whether the proponent’s rationale for excluding the information is appropriate. The rationale must also be included in the Impact Statement. The proponent should also notify IAAC of any changes made to the project relative to the [insert: Initial Project Description or Detailed Project Description].

The proponent is encouraged to refer to the requirements of other jurisdictions to assess effects, as well as to provide information on how the means of other jurisdictions would mitigate adverse federal effects, including information about any mitigation measure that will be implemented by another jurisdiction. [In support of the Government of Canada’s objective of “one project, one review”, the TISG identify where the federal impact assessment and the assessment processes of Name of jurisdiction or lifecycle regulator have shared information needs and/or where the proponent is directed to follow the requirements of another jurisdiction.]

As relevant, the proponent may refer to IAAC’s website, for additional resources, including Technical Considerations and References for the preparation of an Impact Statement. Proponents should be aware that IAAC’s guidance on the practice of the IAA and its regulations is being updated, and some guidance on the website may not reflect the IAAC’s current practices. Proponents remain responsible for following applicable legislation and regulations. Proponents are encouraged to engage with IAAC regarding the applicability of the guidance. For more information, please contact [insert project contact].

1.1 Scope of the impact assessment

“[Edit as applicable] IAAC sets the scope of the assessment for the project taking into account the potential effects of the project and each of the factors listed in subsection 22(1) of the IAA. The factors in subsection 22(1) must be taken into account in an impact assessment, with the assessment focused on elements anticipated to be material to decision making. This scope is reflected in the selection of valued components set out in Section 1.2 Selection of Valued Components and in other requirements/direction throughout these TISG as well as in the generic requirements for Impact Statements in Annex 1, as applicable.

[Specify IAAC’s determination of the scope of factors referred to in paragraphs 22(1)(a) to (f), (h) to (l) and (s) and (t), including the extent of their relevance to the impact assessment, under 18(1.2); specify if IAAC has identified other matter(s) relevant to the impact assessment under paragraph 22(1)(t).]

In addition, the Impact Statement must take into account, where relevant:

• any relevant regional or strategic assessment;
• any study or plan that is conducted or prepared by a jurisdiction—or an Indigenous governing body—in respect to the region related to the project and that is provided to the proponent with respect to the project;
• any relevant assessment of the effects of the project that is conducted by or on behalf of an Indigenous governing body and that is provided to the proponent with respect to the project; and
• Indigenous Knowledge, community knowledge, as well comments received from Indigenous groups, the public, and any jurisdiction.

Where relevant, the Impact Statement must also take into account throughout the impact assessment Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) which, in the context of an impact assessment, is an analytical tool and process that examines how sex and gender intersect with other identity factors to assess who may be disproportionately impacted by a project and how they may experience impacts differently. It helps identify the diverse experiences and needs of various population groups and informs strategies to mitigate barriers and promote equitable access to project benefits.

The TISG set out information and studies required in the proponent’s Impact Statement. The TISG also set out [If applicable: specify the information or studies relevant to the impact assessment where IAAC will rely on publicly available information (e.g. the Initial Project Description) or requirements from other means (e.g. frameworks, standards, legislations or regulations from another jurisdiction) instead of requiring information or studies from the proponent through these TISG.]

1.2 Selection of Valued Components

Valued Components (VCs) serve as the focal points of these TISG and of the impact assessment. IAAC selects, as VCs, the elements of the natural and human environments anticipated to be material for decision making following the impact assessment under the IAA. The assessment of effects on VCs must consider the likely effect pathways between project components or activities and the VC, with a focus on those effect pathways that are key issues.

The Impact Statement must include, at minimum, the following VCs [tailor based on VCs material to IAA decision making and any relevant key issue(s) for each VC including as informed by the perspectives from Indigenous groups and others]:

In focusing on information anticipated to be material to decision making under the IAA, the Impact Statement must also describe impacts on Indigenous rights.

The proponent may select additional VCs through discussions with Indigenous groups and participants as well as in consideration of Indigenous Knowledge and community knowledge. Any additional VC should be related to adverse federal effects or IAA decision-making factors. Reasons for excluding a VC suggested by an Indigenous group should be discussed with the Indigenous group. The Impact Statement must include Indigenous groups’ perspectives on the selection of VCs and a justification if a VC suggested by an Indigenous group is excluded.

VCs must be assessed following the requirements presented in these TISG, as well as the generic assessment methodology in Annex 1 which outlines the steps that must be applied to the assessment of each VC. [State if elements of the generic assessment methodology are not required to be followed in order to support alignment with the process of another jurisdiction.]

1.3 Federal permitting coordination

IAAC will provide coordination of federal permits, licences or authorizations (collectively called permits) early and throughout the impact assessment process to provide:

• clarity on permitting requirements, timelines and processes through the development of detailed federal permitting plans and
• transparency on the status and progress of permits through public reporting on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry Internet site.

The proponent is encouraged to develop federal permit applications concurrently with the impact assessment. Collecting and providing permitting information during the impact assessment process will expedite subsequent federal decisions. Early engagement with the federal government, Indigenous communities and the public is essential to support a speedy review of federal permits.

2 Project description

2.1 Project overview

The project subject to the impact assessment is the designated physical activity [specify] and any incidental physical activity [specify, as applicable].

The Impact Statement must:

• describe the project, timing of each phase, and total lifespan, considering the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, the public and other participants;
• provide the geographic coordinates (i.e. longitude/latitude using international standard representation in degrees, minutes, seconds) for the centre of the main project site [for a linear project: as well as beginning and end points];
• outline the larger context for the project, including how it relates to any other planned projects, and
• provide estimated capital cost of the project (in Canadian dollars), reflecting the total costs for activities necessary to carry the project from development to operation, which may include planning and design, environmental reviews and permitting, land acquisition, purchase of equipment, and construction, as applicable.

2.2 Project components and activities

The Impact Statement must:

• describe project components and activities to be carried out during each project phase, with a focus on components and activities with the greatest potential for significant adverse federal effects and impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights:
  • at a minimum, include [list key project components or activities],
  • for each project component or activity, describe its location, method used to carry it out, schedule (expected start date, time of year, duration and frequency), magnitude and scale,
  • identify activities that involve periods of increased disturbance relevant to adverse federal effects and impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights, and
  • identify likely effect pathways between project components and activities and VCs, as well as on impacts on Indigenous rights, in sufficient detail to support the assessment of effects on VCs and their interactions; and
• include maps of the project footprint and project components, major existing infrastructure, proponent lands, leased properties or lands and any adjacent resource leases, land uses and federal lands.

2.3 Receiving environment

The Impact Statement must describe the project’s receiving environment in sufficient detail to assess the effects of the project on VCs and on impacts on Indigenous rights and, where appropriate, locate on map(s), including:

• services and infrastructure in the area, including:
  • roads,
  • municipalities and administrative regions,
  • resource development projects and activities,
  • local businesses and industries, and
  • other relevant uses of land and water, notably by Indigenous Peoples;
• local and regional climate, including historical records of weather variation and summary data, with data sources, from unique weather station identifiers for:
  • monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperatures as well as precipitation,
  • typical wind speed and direction, and
  • evaporation (e.g. using the Penman, Morton or Meyer Methods) or evapotranspiration;
• [for projects impacting the marine environment: marine climatology (e.g. sea surface temperature, ice cover), marine environment, features and uses];
• [for projects in permafrost areas: distribution of permafrost, including melting or loss and sea ice loss];
• primary, secondary and tertiary watersheds;
• waterbodies and watercourses, including intermittent and ephemeral, and their location;
• [for projects impacting hydrology: drainage basins in relation to key project components, flood risk areas, wetlands, and watersheds, as well as direction of flow on topographic map(s), at appropriate scales];
• [for projects near waterbodies: riparian areas and wetlands (shallow open waters, swamps, fens, marshes, bogs) affected by the project, including list, as applicable:
• wetland class, ecological community type and conservation status,
  • wetland habitat that provides important functions for species at risk, migratory birds and species of importance to Indigenous Peoples, and
  • distribution, disturbance level and abundance, at local, regional and provincial scales];
• navigable waterways. In support of federal permitting coordination, if the project includes works that may interfere with navigation and which may require approval(s) or exemption(s) by Transport Canada under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, the proponent is encouraged to provide the navigability assessment (baseline conditions) with the Impact Statement in consultation with Transport Canada and users, including Indigenous Peoples. This will allow Transport Canada to consider whether an approval or exemption under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act is required and to expedite any subsequent regulatory process. Where applicable, the proponent is also encouraged to include in the Impact Statement a table in the Impact Statement listing:
  • waterbody or watercourse impacted,
  • type of work proposed,
  • physical characteristics of waterbody or water course,
  • known or suspected past, current or future use of the waterway,
  • potentially affected waterway users and concerns regarding waterway use and access, and
  • physical impacts from proposed work upstream and downstream;
• landcover in the area, including important vegetation species, communities and/or wildlife habitat;
• ecozones, ecoregions, and ecodistricts as per the province’s or Canada’s Ecological Land Classification;
• environmentally sensitive areas, such as national parks, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ecological reserves, [if applicable: marine protected areas, marine refuges] proposed protected areas and habitats of federally listed species at risk;
• lands subject to conservation agreements;
• drinking water sources (e.g. Indigenous and municipal systems, private wells);
• [for projects affecting the geophysical environment: terrain, soils and geology (surface, bedrock and unconsolidated sediments), with sediment stratigraphy and geomorphology, and summarize geotechnical characteristics of areas proposed for major project components. Support with maps and cross-sections at appropriate scale(s)];
• landforms associated with important wildlife habitat features [including list elevated land forms, eskers, ridges, cliffs, rock outcrops, exposed bedrock, talus and karst topography caves];
• [for projects with excavation, drilling or groundwater interaction in a known mining region: instabilities caused by historical mining activities];
• [for projects with bedrock blasting: areas of bedrock outcrops that will require blasting identified on geological maps];
• [for projects with potential transboundary effects: distance to the international (e.g. the United States) or provincial border];
• Indigenous traditional territories and/or consultation areas, Treaty and/or Title lands, Reserve lands, Indigenous harvesting regions (with permission of Indigenous groups), Métis settlements;
• federal lands; and
• culturally important features of the landscape.

2.4 Project purpose, need and alternatives considered

The proponent must identify the purpose of and need for the project, as well as alternatives to the project and alternative means of carrying it out in consideration of the perspectives and suggestions of Indigenous Peoples, the public and other participants.

2.4.1 Purpose of the project

The Impact Statement must outline what the proponent intends to achieve by carrying out the project, broadly classify the project type (e.g. [insert as applicable: transportation, electricity supply, mineral extraction]) and indicate the target market (e.g. international, domestic, local).

2.4.2 Need for the project

The Impact Statement must describe the underlying opportunity or issue that the proponent intends to seize or solve by carrying out the project, such as demand for a resource or support for a federal or provincial government objective, and provide a rationale that the project is a warranted response.

2.4.3 Alternatives to the project

[If sufficient information was provided in the Planning phase on ‘alternatives to’: IAAC will rely on the proponent’s insert as applicable: Initial Project Description, Detailed Project Description or response to the Summary of Issues insert as applicable: demonstrating that there are no or describing “alternatives to” the project that are technically and economically feasible to meet the need for the project and achieve its purpose. No additional information is required.]

[If further information on ‘alternatives to’ is required: The Impact Statement must:

• provide a description of the alternatives to the project that are technically and economically feasible to meet the project need and achieve the project purpose from the perspective of the proponent as well as those suggested by Indigenous groups including listing any alternatives identified in the Planning phase that require further consideration;
• compare the alternatives based on the potential for adverse federal effects and impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights, including as resulting from interactions between effects and from malfunctions or accidents; and
• present the rationale for selecting the proposed project over other options or for why there is no technically and economically feasible alternative to the project.]

2.4.4 Alternative means of carrying out the project

[If the project is subject to Schedule 2 of the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER): To support more efficient federal permitting, the proponent is encouraged to provide an assessment of alternatives for mine waste^Footnote 4 disposal in the Impact Statement that follows Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Guidelines for the assessment of alternatives for mine waste disposal. Doing so can reduce the time needed to obtain an amendment to Schedule 2 of the MDMER, if required for the disposal of mine waste into waters frequented by fish. For further guidance, the proponent can refer to the Guide To The Regulatory Process For Listing Water Bodies Frequented By Fish In Schedule 2 Of The Metal And Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations.]

The Impact Statement must:

• describe alternative means of carrying out the project, determine the preferred means and justify the exclusion of alternative means, considering:
  • technical and economic feasibility of alternative means, including use of best available technologies,
  • alternative means suggested by Indigenous groups, the public or relevant parties,
  • a comparison of potential for adverse federal effects and impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights, including as resulting from interactions between effects and from malfunctions or accidents, and
  • [if a SARA permit is likely required for the project: adverse effects to species at risk listed under Schedule 1 of SARA and their critical habitat, and how these effects may be avoided or reduced through alternative means of carrying out the project],
• address key project elements in the alternative means analysis, including [specify:
  • route or corridor location,
  • transportation options (e.g. marine shipping, rail, pipeline),
  • width of the right-of-way,
  • project site and/or component locations,
  • timing options for components and phases of the project,
  • access to the project site,
  • facility design,
  • switchyard design,
  • marine elements:
    • drilling unit systems,
    • offshore exploration or production systems,
    • disposal of drilling mud and cuttings, gas or produced water, and
    • marine storage and supply locations,
  • energy sources to power the project or project components,
  • water and wastewater management elements:
    • location of effluent discharge points,
    • treatment technologies and techniques to control effluent quality, and
    • water conservation and reuse,
  • hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage, transportation and disposal,
  • location, construction and crossing methods for waterbodies, watercourses, wetlands and other features,
  • management of excavated materials, including those that are acid generating or leachable,
  • suspension, abandonment or decommissioning options, and
    • mining-related activities:
    • mining operations (open pit, underground),
    • processing facilities location and design (comminution, separation, concentration and dewatering), and
    • mine waste management facilities (tailings, waste rock, overburden, low-grade ore, effluent)].

3 Fish and fish habitat [and marine plants]

The impact assessment must assess the effects of the project on fish and fish habitat, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Fisheries Act [insert as applicable: and on marine plants, as defined in section 47 of the Fisheries Act] based on likely effect pathways from project components or activities.

Where authorization(s) under section 34.4(2)(b) or 35(2)(b) of the Fisheries Act are likely required for the project, the proponent is encouraged to provide the information required for permitting during the impact assessment in support of an efficient and shortened permitting approval process, and refer to Project Planning: Applying for a Fisheries Act Authorization and the Applicant’s Guide Supporting the Authorizations Concerning Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Regulations. [For projects requiring an MDMER Schedule 2 amendment: This information can also reduce the time needed to obtain an authorization to deposit mine waste into a tailings impoundment area if a regulatory amendment to list the water frequented by fish on Schedule 2 of the MDMER is required. For further guidance, the proponent can refer to the Guide to the Regulatory Process for Listing Water Bodies Frequented by Fish in Schedule 2 of the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations.]

3.1 Baseline conditions for fish and fish habitat [and marine plants]

The Impact Statement must:

• list in a table all waterbodies and watercourses frequented by fish, or on which fish depend directly or indirectly, likely affected by the project. Include in the table:
  • whether freshwater, estuarine or marine,
  • type and permanence (e.g. temporary, intermittent or ephemeral stream),
  • size (e.g. width at the ordinary high water mark) and depths,
  • ice regime, and
  • whether flows are regulated;
• for each of the waterbodies and watercourses listed above, present maps at appropriate scales using aerial imagery overlaid with relevant descriptions, as well as relevant summary tables, that depict:
  • the location and area of fish habitat,
  • the location of any known or potential barriers to fish passage, both natural and constructed, including water management infrastructure or waterbody crossings (e.g. bridges, culverts, dams, weirs, beaver dam, waterfalls),
  • footprint areas of proposed works,
  • physical and biological characteristics at a level of detail commensurate with the potential for effects on fish and fish habitat including:
    • baseline habitat loss or disturbance (e.g. fragmentation),
    • habitat use or suitability, including critical habitat and residences for species at risk, habitat function (e.g. spawning, calving, nursery) and sensitive times for habitat use (e.g. overwintering, migration), or how the habitat directly or indirectly support fish to carry out their life processes,
    • important habitat features (e.g. substrate types, beaver dams, riffles, pools),
    • habitat areas with high fish abundance or diversity,
    • species present, including sub-species and sub-populations, considering inter- and intra-annual variations,
    • if applicable, flow direction,
    • existing local and regional sources of contaminants,
    • [insert as applicable: proximity to protected or sensitive habitat areas],
    • [insert as applicable: description and location of erosion-sensitive soils and areas of ground instability], and
    • [insert as applicable: presence of invasive or introduced species of concern];
• identify and describe the fish [and marine plant] species that will serve as the focus of the effects assessment, considering that different species may be affected differently by the project and may require different mitigation. Include: [insert as applicable
  • list of SARA-listed species,
  • list of species of importance to Indigenous groups,
  • list of species of importance for fishing, and
  • if applicable, list of additional species or groups of species];
• as needed to assess effects to the identified fish [and marine plant] species and fish habitat, providing data in maps and tables, and ensuring that sampling sites are co-located for different elements (e.g. fish presence, water quality, sediment quality) and including both sites likely and unlikely (as reference) to be affected by the project, describe [tailor based on project-specific key issues:
  • for underwater noise: underwater soundscape and vibration, including those offshore, based on acoustic measurements, including vibration and sound sources, geographic extent, as well as spatial and temporal variations within the water column and at the seafloor,
  • for surface water flows: surface water hydrology in the local study area (LSA) and regional study area (RSA) from on-site gauging stations, considering ice cover, freeze-thaw cycle and snow regime, flow hydrographs, water levels and seasonal baseflow for streams and rivers, as well as stage hydrographs for lakes, including quantitative characterization of baseline hydrology in a model detailing baseline surface water flows. The model results must account for inter-annual patterns including trends in flow, permanence, or ice cover, as well as seasonal, or contain an explanation of why these patterns are not material to the effects. This information must be used to characterize the quantity of water in areas frequented by fish and the timing of flows and water levels,
  • for hydraulic conditions impacting fish passage: local water velocities and levels, including measurements of water velocity profiles and characterization of water levels and flow variability in the potential perturbation zones (e.g. flow velocity, turbulence, shear stress),
  • for groundwater-surface water exchanges: interactions between surface and groundwater and discharge location, including a quantitative site surface water balance model detailing water intake and outflow to the environment and incorporating surface-groundwater exchanges, as well as delineation and characterization of groundwater–surface water interactions, including groundwater-dependent areas frequented by fish. Where multiple factors or temporal and spatial scales require consideration, a consistent multi-model or integrated modelling approach must be employed. This information must also be used to characterize aquifers related to groundwater-dependent areas frequented by fish and to calibrate and verify numerical flow modelling,
  • for surface water quality: surface water quality, including temporal trends and groundwater–surface water interactions, representative of seasonal and inter-annual variability and spatial representation relevant to the project components, the LSA and the RSA. The data should be presented in a compiled, tabulated, and graphed form using appropriately sensitive detection limits, and include relevant physicochemical parameters (e.g. temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total suspended solids, total hardness, total dissolved solids, biological oxygen demand, carbonate equilibrium) and relevant chemical constituents (e.g. major and minor ions, total and dissolved trace metals / metalloids, radionuclides, total mercury, methylmercury, polycyclic aromatic compounds, persistent organic pollutants, nutrients) in comparison to relevant environmental quality guidelines,
  • for sediment quality: sediment quality representative of seasonal and inter-annual variability and spatial representation relevant to the project components, the LSA and the RSA. The data should be presented in a compiled, tabulated, and graphed form using appropriate sensitive detection limits. Sediment samples must target silt-clay range (<63um) and include appropriate replication to describe site heterogeneity. Sediment sampling must include physical and chemical parameters relevant to the project activities and components (e.g. particle size, moisture content metals/metalloids, total sulphur, total organic carbon, polycyclic aromatic compounds, persistent organic pollutants),
  • for bioaccumulation of contaminants: baseline tissue concentrations for list as relevant bioaccumulative contaminants for fish and other aquatic biota contributing to bioaccumulation through the food chain in comparison to relevant environmental quality guidelines, and
  • for nutrient enrichment: nutrients and/or productivity.]

3.2 Effects to fish and fish habitat [and marine plants]

The Impact Statement must:

• describe the likely effect pathways to fish and fish habitat [and marine plants] from project components or activities for each waterbody, watercourse and location likely affected by the project (e.g. point and diffuse sources of discharges and their receiving environment), including [tailor based on project-specific key issues:
  • habitat alteration, disruption or destruction (temporary or permanent) relative to baseline, described in a table in terms of area, habitat type, sensitivity of habitat and impact (e.g. magnitude, intensity, persistence), as well as on maps at appropriate scales,
  • risk from increased access to the area or to fishing,
  • for noise-generating activities: risk from noise and vibrations (e.g. blasting),
  • for water intake or hydraulic structures: risk of entrapment, impingement or entrainment,
  • risk of introduction of aquatic invasive species, including pathogens,
  • for water-crossings: changes resulting from watercourse-crossing(s). For each crossing, describe and justify the techniques used, and risk of fish habitat loss from obstructions to fish passage,
  • for marine shipping: changes resulting from marine traffic including risk of collision with vessels (ship strike), disruption or impairment of activities and behaviour, physiological effects of underwater sound on individuals, increased turbidity, and introduction of invasive species from ballast discharge,
  • for creation, removal or diversion of waterbodies or watercourses or projects where surface water flows or hydraulic conditions affecting fish passage are a key issue: changes to the alignment of waterbodies and watercourses, locations of any intakes and proposed maximum pumping rates, and any resulting changes in surface water flows based on the quantitative characterization of the hydrology or in groundwater and surface water conditions at a scale, resolution and level of detail relevant to assess the effects to fish and fish habitat,
  • for project where surface water flow and groundwater-surface water exchanges are a key issue: changes to surface water flows and levels and to groundwater quantity and flow pattern considering surface water and groundwater withdrawal (e.g. spatial scales, timing, quantity and quality of water withdrawn, flow rates and annual volumes), fluxes and the conditions under which this water is released into the receiving environment. Use a three-dimensional numerical groundwater flow model to simulate the hydrogeological system and estimate key water fluxes based on the calibrated baseline conditions model and include:
    • major project components, including open pits, underground workings, waste rock piles, tailings management facilities, dewatering wells, water diversion ditches, and sediment ponds,
    • changes to surface water flows and hydraulic conditions in the receiving environment caused by project components supported by quantitative data and quantitative characterization through modelling outputs, including:
      • flow regimes (e.g. timing and volumes) based on the hydrological model calibrated to baseline conditions,
      • velocity regimes and flow hydraulics (e.g. localized velocity perturbations, turbulence, shear stresses, flow reversals),
      • sediment transport and deposition patterns affecting habitat structure and water quality, and
      • groundwater- surface water interactions, and
    • an assessment of the sensitivity of key model outputs to hydraulic properties and climatic parameters such as recharge,
  • for projects where surface water quality is a key issue: changes to surface water quality at list locations due to direct and indirect discharges, surface erosion and sedimentation, generation and deposition of dust and particulate matter, including to physicochemical parameters (e.g. temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids), chemical constituents (e.g. major and minor ions, trace metals, radionuclides, nutrients, organic compounds), and dredging and other in-water project activities or components. Present expected changes as well as risk-based worst- and best-case scenarios. Use appropriate modelling and describe model assumptions, inputs and associated rationale,
  • for mines and projects blasting rock or placing rock into surface water: changes to surface water and groundwater quality resulting from acid rock drainage and/or metal(loid) leaching from all mined, excavated or blasted material, including:
    • a consideration of all relevant material, including historical waste, such as waste rock, ore (including off-site), low grade ore, pit wall materials, underground development ramps, process waste (i.e. tailings, heap leach, treatment sludge, coarse coal rejects, processed kimberlite) overburden and potential construction material (i.e. mine rock, quarries, unconsolidated material), and
    • a geochemical characterization study to establish risk-based source terms^Footnote 5 for all mine-related materials that takes into account the site-specific conditions, mine plan, and spatial and compositional representativeness of samples. Include a conceptual geochemical model, a description of the analytical methods used to evaluate geochemical properties (including mineralogy, metal(loid) leaching, and acid generation potential), and the approach used to predict drainage chemistry trends over time. The conceptual model must document data gaps and uncertainties, and how they will be addressed through ongoing characterization and monitoring as the project advances. Consider relevant technical resources and applicable provincial or territorial guidance. Document approach and assumptions for the range of source terms and site conditions used to assess how project activities and components may affect the quality and quantity of surface water, groundwater, and sediment in areas that support fish and fish habitat.
  • for projects where contaminants are a key issue (including contaminants not listed in Schedule 4 of the MDMER): predicted temporal changes to water quality and sediment quality at [list locations], compared to baseline, applicable guidelines, site-specific objectives or benchmarks, and/or relevant toxicity test results (either site-specific or published):
    • indicate the source(s) of contaminants, and their transport and fate, including geographic extent, in the hydraulic environment,
    • as applicable, indicate where and when the water quality in the immediate receiving environment begins to meet water quality guidelines or baseline levels,
    • estimate quality and quantity of effluent streams released from the site to the receiving environment, including effluent from treatment facilities, dewatering activities, seepage and surface run off from project components and compare their quality to applicable guidelines, objectives or standards. For novel contaminants: For contaminants without regulatory release limits or water/sediment quality guidelines, compare predicted concentrations to any applicable baseline and to the lowest reasonably achievable concentrations, considering social and economic factors, the implementation of best available treatment technology economically achievable and information from relevant regulators,
    • update any models used to describe baseline conditions, and describe the contaminants associated with the project, their spatial and temporal locations, their potential flow paths (e.g. groundwater seepage pathways and how they relate to potential receptors), effects of the project on quantity of flow and how they could affect surface water, sediment and groundwater quality, and
    • describe the contaminant attenuation capacity within the hydrogeological units in the project area and use this input to assess off-site groundwater and surface water contamination. Alternatively, the proponent may conservatively assume no attenuation capacity, and describe degradation products (i.e. daughter materials) during groundwater flow,
    • for projects where bioaccumulation of contaminants is a key issue: modeled tissue concentrations for list relevant bioaccumulative contaminants for fish and other aquatic biota contributing to bioaccumulation through the food chain compared to relevant environmental quality guidelines,
    • for projects where nutrient enrichment is a key issue: changes in nutrients and productivity and resulting indirect effects on fish (e.g. eutrophication, food availability),
    • for projects that emit large quantities of sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxides: changes due to acidifying emissions from the project and acid deposition in areas sensitive or vulnerable to acidification resulting from the deposition of atmospheric contaminants,
    • for pipelines or fluid-carrying systems discharging water: changes due to discharges of hydrostatic testing waters to the aquatic environment, and
    • for projects near known or suspected contaminated sites: re-suspension, release or disturbance of known or suspected soil or sediment contamination;] and
  • describe residual and, if applicable, cumulative effects to fish and fish habitat [and marine plants] based on the likely effect pathways.

4 Migratory birds

The impact assessment must assess the effects of the project on migratory birds as defined under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 based on likely effect pathways from project components or activities.

4.1 Baseline conditions for migratory birds

The Impact Statement must:

• identify species likely present in the LSA and RSA based on data from existing sources and/or recent field habitat surveys for the breeding and non-breeding season, as well as Indigenous Knowledge and community knowledge that is provided;
• identify the bird species (e.g. a species at risk) or groups of species such as habitat or foraging guilds (e.g. seabirds) that will be the focus of the effects assessment, considering that different species and groups of species may be affected differently by the project and may require different mitigation. Where there is uncertainty as to bird species likely present in the project areas, the selection of birds must be inclusive and representative. Birds must include:
  • [list migratory bird species at risk under SARA likely to be affected by the Project], and
  • [list additional species or groups of species];
• as needed to assess effects for each bird species or groups of species identified [tailor based on project-specific key issues:
  • describe population, including subpopulations or subspecies that may have distinct ecological requirements or migratory routes, distribution, seasonal ranges, migration, movements, frequency and timing of occurrence, habitat association(s) and requirements for relevant life cycle stages, and sensitive periods (e.g. seasonal, time of day), including estimates of abundance or density where available,
  • describe and quantify habitat based on data from existing sources and/or recent field habitat surveys and include relevant maps such as:
    • maps with habitat survey locations,
    • maps of sites likely used in high concentration over the course of the year for breeding, feeding, wintering, movement, resting or roosting, staging and/or migrating,
    • maps of the location of areas important to birds (e.g. bird sanctuaries), and of residences and critical habitat for species at risk as defined in recovery strategies,
    • maps of rare, unique, protected or threatened habitat or habitat features (e.g. old forest, species-specific breeding habitat, eskers and other similar geological formations), and a description of how migratory birds are expected to use that habitat year-round (e.g. winter, spring migration, breeding season, fall migration, movement corridors),
    • maps of the project’s footprint relative to information about birds, identifying temporary and permanent infrastructure, and description of whether project components avoid sensitive habitat such as breeding territories or areas of seasonal concentration, and
    • maps of nests that will be or have been added to the Abandoned Nest Registry and are being monitored to comply with the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022;] and
• justify whether data from existing sources and/or recent field habitat surveys are sufficient to support the assessment of likely residual and cumulative effects on the migratory birds identified and to determine the extent to which these effects are significant considering uncertainties and bias, as well as spatial and temporal representation. If not sufficient, conduct and include additional field bird or habitat surveys, as needed to assess effects, which may include:
  • field habitat surveys to identify rare habitats or geological features, and critical habitat for species at risk and
  • field bird surveys where risk or uncertainty related to effects on birds are moderate to high, where bird presence, population or distribution are poorly understood (e.g. flyway or stopover that could be affected to a high extent), or where appropriate mitigation measures are unknown or uncertain.

4.2 Effects to migratory birds

The Impact Statement must:

• describe the likely effect pathways to birds from specific project components (temporary and permanent) and activities during all phases of the project, considering risks of mortality (e.g. from collisions, predators), habitat changes (e.g. habitat loss), and disturbances (e.g. from light, presence of workers). [Project components and activities considered must include list as relevant]; and
• describe residual and, if applicable, cumulative effects to migratory birds resulting from the likely effect pathways.

[Other VC(s) selected by IAAC related to adverse federal effects]

[If applicable, add requirements anticipated to be material to IAA decision making for the additional VC(s) identified by IAAC related to adverse federal effects in section 1.2 Selection of Valued Components. Additional VC(s) can be presented in separate sections of the TISG, or combined with other VCs, and may include:

• marine environment outside Canada;
• interprovincial, boundary or international waters;
• environment on federal lands;
• a VC likely affected by a physical activity that is part of the designated project and that is a federal work or undertaking or is carried out on federal lands; or
• a VC likely affected as a result of a federal decision permitting or enabling the project, in whole or in part (direct or incidental adverse effect).]

5 Indigenous Peoples

The Impact Statement must demonstrate how impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights were considered and assessed, including:

• impacts resulting from any change to the environment on physical and cultural heritage or any structure, site or thing that is of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance;
• impacts resulting from any change to the environment on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes;
• changes to the health, social or economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples; and
• impacts on Indigenous rights.

Indigenous Peoples are best placed to understand how a project may impact them. The assessment of impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights must be done in collaboration with Indigenous groups as outlined in the Description of engagement with Indigenous groups. Where relevant, the proponent must collaborate with Indigenous groups to incorporate information from or about them into the assessment of all VCs.

The proponent is expected to engage with all Indigenous groups impacted by the project, as set out in the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan (IEPP), and to describe the outcomes of that engagement in the Impact Statement. In addition, the results of engagement should be analyzed and presented separately for each Indigenous group. This group-specific assessment does not need to repeat the entire analysis of each VC, but should summarize and present the information relevant to that group. To the extent possible, each group-specific assessment should be done in a way that works best for that Indigenous group.

The proponent must include conclusions on the potential impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights for each of the Indigenous groups affected by the project. If an Indigenous group has provided their own conclusions, those conclusions must be included in the Impact Statement. In that case, the proponent is not required to provide separate conclusion and should discuss with each Indigenous group whether it is appropriate for the proponent to provide their views on those conclusions.

Where requested by Indigenous groups, parts or all of the assessments of effects on Indigenous Peoples and their rights can be combined in the group-specific assessment. For example, effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes and impacts on Indigenous rights to hunt, fish, and trap can be reported together. Indigenous groups may also identify holistic VCs that encompass multiple environmental, health, social, or economic elements. Undertaking these assessments together, when requested, will support consistent conclusions.

In all cases, the Impact Statement must demonstrate that all requirements were met.

5.1 Indigenous physical and cultural heritage, and structures, sites, or things of significance

The Impact Statement must assess and clearly distinguish the effects of the project to physical or cultural heritage and the effects to specific structures, sites or things.

5.1.1 Baseline conditions for physical and cultural heritage, and structures, sites, or things of significance

The Impact Statement must:

• describe baseline conditions for elements of physical and cultural heritage, or structures, sites, or things of significance that may be impacted by the project, including the location of physical and cultural heritage features on maps, if they have been shared by Indigenous groups with the proponent and if the proponent has permission from the Indigenous groups for the information to be shared publicly. If required, a coarser geographic resolution can be presented; and
• describe how cumulative effects have already impacted physical and cultural heritage.

5.1.2 Effects to physical and cultural heritage, and structures, sites, or things of significance

The Impact Statement must:

• describe residual and, if applicable, cumulative effects to physical and cultural heritage, and structures, sites or things of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance. Include effects to: [list relevant structures, sites or things of significance as well as physical and cultural heritage elements, including those identified by Indigenous groups or that are project-specific key issues, such as
  • burial sites,
  • spiritual sites, including rivers and watercourses,
  • cultural landscapes,
  • teaching areas used to transfer knowledge between generations,
  • sacred, ceremonial or culturally important places, plants, animals, objects, beings or things,
  • places with archaeological potential or artefacts,
  • historically occupied sites,
  • elements of the environment identified by Indigenous groups as having heritage value,
  • oral histories,
  • cultural values and experiences on the land,
  • Indigenous governance systems and Indigenous laws tied to the landscape,
  • place names, language and other elements that make up a culture,
  • access to and/or experience with physical and cultural heritage,
  • cultural value, spirituality, or importance associated with physical and cultural heritage,
  • changes to visual aesthetics, including post-project abandonment or decommissioning,] and
• any other element identified by Indigenous groups;
• describe how impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights will also impact the ability of Indigenous Peoples to transmit their culture, language or Indigenous Knowledge intergenerationally, for example, through ceremonies, harvesting, teaching of stewardship laws, or a community tradition of sharing; and
• provide copies of correspondence with provincial, territorial or Indigenous authorities responsible for heritage resources with comments on any physical and cultural heritage resource assessment.

5.2 Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes

The Impact Statement must assess the effects of the project to the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.

5.2.1 Baseline conditions for current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes

The Impact Statement must:

• describe baseline conditions for current use of lands and resources by Indigenous Peoples that may be impacted by the project in sufficient detail to support the assessment. Include a description of:
  • each species of importance [including list species] to Indigenous groups, species use (e.g. magnitude, timing), availability as country foods (traditional foods) or for other traditional purposes and whether their consumption has cultural importance for Indigenous groups, including medicinal uses. [For fish and birds, refer to the requirements in the fish and fish habitat section, and migratory birds section of the TISG respectively.] Where possible, identify and map sites used in the study areas or historically important sites for the collection of country foods, such as important fishing sites, and
  • existing navigable waters and their uses, navigable water users, and existing concerns regarding navigable water use and access; and
• describe how existing cumulative effects have already impacted the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.

5.2.2 Effects to current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes

The Impact Statement must:

• describe residual and, if applicable, cumulative effects on current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. Include effects to: [list relevant land or resource elements, including those identified by Indigenous groups or that are project-specific key issues, such as
  • Indigenous governance systems and Indigenous laws associated with the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes;
  • traditional activities presently or historically practised;
    • specify the locations, frequency, duration or timing of fishing, hunting, trapping, gathering plants or medicines, access or travel routes, cultural or ceremonial activities and other traditional practices, including any avoidance of resources due to perceived quality,
    • consider access to as well as any economic burdens of, and increased time for, travelling further to:
      • culturally important harvesting areas or resources and travel routes for conducting traditional practices (e.g. physical access to harvest-specific species, culturally important locations),
      • traditional territories, communities and reserves, and
      • locations of importance for traditional use, including camps, cabins and gathering, staging, or teaching grounds, and
      • consider efforts by Indigenous groups to restore traditional practices
  • the quantity, distribution, and quality (including perceived quality) of resources available for harvesting and consumption of country foods (traditional foods),
    • for each species used, consider relevant changes in population, distribution, seasonal ranges, migration, movements, frequency and timing of occurrence, abundance and/or density as well as relevant habitat association(s) and sensitive periods (e.g. seasonal, time of day),
  • navigation and navigation safety, including to navigable waters for each affected waterway and likely effect pathway (dewatering of watercourse or water body, water-level changes, diversion, crossing, etc.),
    • specify the crossing method for all project components that will be constructed in, on, under, over, through or across navigable waters (e.g. temporary or permanent bridges),
  • the use of riverbanks, travel ways, navigable waterways and waterbodies, including for social and ceremonial purposes, travel or recreation, and navigable water users,
  • the experience of being on the land
    • consider any changes in air quality, noise and sensory disturbance, artificial light, fragmentation of traditional territory, visual aesthetics and landscape, including due to perceived contamination,] and
  • any other element identified by Indigenous groups.

5.3 Health, social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples

The Impact Statement must assess the effects of the project on the health, social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples.

5.3.1 Baseline conditions for the health, social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples

The Impact Statement must:

• describe baseline health, social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples that may be impacted by the project in sufficient detail to support the assessment. Include:
  • community profiles for each impacted Indigenous group using disaggregated data to reflect diverse population groups within each Indigenous group as appropriate and incorporating both health and demographic information. Use definitions of physical and mental health and well-being and wellness from the perspective of each Indigenous group, and include the Community Well-Being Index;
  • health outcomes identified as of interest by Indigenous groups, as well as the biophysical and social risk and protection factors relevant to these health outcomes identified by Indigenous groups, such as the level of food security and food sovereignty within Indigenous groups;
  • sufficient detail to assess relevant determinants of health (e.g. exposures to chemical and radiological substances), including [when known, tailor to the relevant determinants of health, including those identified by Indigenous groups and/or as a key issue]:
    • the location of representative current and foreseeable future human receptors, regarding Indigenous groups’ hunting, gathering, trapping and fishing areas; permanent and temporary residences (e.g. Indigenous cottages and camps); recreational, cultural and drinking water sources, from surface or groundwater, permanent, seasonal, periodic or temporary, including wellhead capture zones, and their properties; and infrastructure (e.g. schools, hospitals, community centres, retirement complexes, health care centres). Include maps where possible,
    • the contaminants of potential concern (COPC) and their relevant baseline concentrations in ambient air, recreational, cultural or drinking water sources, soil or sediments, and tissues of country foods consumed by Indigenous groups, and
    • a conceptual site model that illustrates the connections existing between the COPC, human receptors and the current and future exposure pathways. This model may be complemented by preliminary model predictions;
  • a conceptual model of health effect pathways that illustrates the connections between the project and relevant social determinants of health, including psychosocial factors (e.g. place-based connections linked to mental wellbeing);
  • the main economic activities of Indigenous Peoples in the study areas using disaggregated data and include information on wage labour, entrepreneurial activities and traditional economic activities, an overview of Indigenous businesses, as well as of any use of lands and waterbodies for economic activities; and
  • Indigenous workforce, including availability of skilled and unskilled workers in the local and regional study area, existing barriers to employment and participation in the labour market, and workforce development and training plans; and
• describe how existing cumulative effects have already impacted the health, social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples.

5.3.2 Effects on Health, Social and Economic Conditions of Indigenous Peoples

The Impact Statement must:

• describe residual and, if applicable, cumulative effects to the health, social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples considering that they are interrelated and together influence well-being outcomes. Provide a rationale and supportive data, including where the effects are predicted to be avoided or where they do not exceed federal standards, guidelines or descriptors following the application of mitigation measures;
• include a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA), based on the conceptual site model, and/or a Health Impact Assessment (HIA), based on the conceptual model of health effect pathways, referring to relevant health-based guidance and guidelines, or provide a rationale for why a HHRA and/or HIA is not warranted;
• describe likely environmental exposure pathways and health effect pathways involving key biophysical and social determinants of health, including psychosocial factors. Include: [list relevant elements, including those identified by Indigenous groups or that are project-specific key issues, such as
  • exposure to contaminants in the environment (e.g. ambient air, drinking and recreational water sources, soils and sediments, country foods) and noise;
  • factors contributing to the resilience and overall well-being of Indigenous groups, considering: disturbance of daily activities and avoidance of culturally meaningful sites;
  • factors contributing to the resilience and overall well-being of Indigenous groups, considering:
    • disturbance of daily activities and avoidance of culturally meaningful sites;
    • traditional food security, traditional and cultural practices, and food sovereignty, including food availability, accessibility, and utilization as well as food system stability, and
    • quality (including perceived quality) of country foods (traditional foods) and water for drinking, recreation and cultural use, consider changes due to effects on other environmental media (e.g. to air or soil) including chemicals with the potential to bioaccumulate (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury);
• risks to family and household cohesion and safety from workforce interactions with Indigenous groups, including differential impacts on diverse population groups and giving particular attention to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Calls for Justice 13.1-13.5), and contributing factors (e.g. workforce housing arrangements, working conditions, workplace culture, substance misuse) which have the potential to exacerbate gender-based violence;
• temporary or permanent population changes (e.g. in- and out-migration effects, altered community cohesion) resulting in changes in local economic activity (including non-commercial/trade economy), to the cost of living (including housing and market food insecurity), to income inequity and to community safety concerns (e.g. illegal or disruptive activities). Include a housing and workforce management plan with relevant detail (e.g. rationale for housing arrangements, transport of workers, oversight mechanisms); and
• local and regional infrastructure, facilities and public, emergency (ambulance, police and firefighting), social or health services, including provider capacity and any need for new or expanded infrastructure, facilities and services due to project components or activities, including related expenditures from the proponent;]
• describe other likely effect pathways involving social and economic conditions. Include: [list relevant elements, including those identified by Indigenous groups or that are project-specific key issues, such as
  • access, ownership and use of resources (e.g. land tenure, minerals, food, water);
  • ability to establish development priorities and freely pursue economic, social and cultural development;
  • changes in employment for Indigenous groups such as those resulting from:
    • the ability of the local labour market to meet demand;
    • training programs, initiatives and measures to improve employment opportunities, well-being and retention for Indigenous Peoples such as workforce equity, diversity and inclusion, culturally appropriate supports and safe work environments; and
    • potential for labour shortages and how they would be addressed;
  • direct or indirect economic hardship, opportunities, or displacement of businesses; and
  • relevant environmental changes;] and
• provide an estimate of the levels of economic participation for Indigenous groups in comparison to the total project requirements (e.g. employment, total dollar value of contracts).

5.4 Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The IAA affirms the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

5.4.1 Baseline conditions

The Impact Statement must:

• describe the rights of Indigenous Peoples impacted by the project, including historical context and the importance of the rights to the rights-bearing communities (e.g. the connection of rights to practices, customs, beliefs, worldviews, and livelihoods);
• include information on how rights have already been impacted by cumulative effects;
• document the nature and extent of the exercise of rights of Indigenous Peoples, impacted by the project, as identified by the Indigenous group(s); and
• document how Indigenous groups were involved in the baseline characterization of their rights.

5.4.2 Impacts on rights of Indigenous Peoples

The proponent must share studies and information about the project and its potential impacts with Indigenous groups prior to assessing the impact of the project on their rights, and collaborate with Indigenous groups in assessing impacts on those rights.

The Impact Statement must:

• describe the project’s residual and cumulative impacts on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and their severity. Consider links between resources, access, and experience and include impacts to: [list elements of significance identified by Indigenous groups
  • interference with the quality and quantity of resources available for the exercise of rights (including preferred species),
  • changes to the ability to travel freely in the territory and to access areas important to the exercise of rights,
  • changes to the experience associated with the exercise of rights, including in connection to land, well-being, knowledge of the landscape, air quality, noise exposure, effects of vibrations, artificial light, fragmentation, visual aesthetics and safety,
  • impacts on Indigenous traditions, laws and governance,
  • impacts on stewardship of traditional lands and resources by Indigenous groups,
  • changes to the ability of Indigenous groups to derive future economic benefits from the land or water,
  • changes to the ability to maintain an ongoing relationship with the land or water,
  • alignment with the values, political direction and/or objectives of Indigenous groups’ actions to mitigate or to adapt to a changing climate,
  • changes to the authority of Indigenous groups on their territory,
  • relevant land use, development or resource management plans,] and
  • all other elements of significance identified by Indigenous groups;
• describe solutions to concerns raised about impacts on the exercise of rights, as agreed to by Indigenous groups;
• describe how the assessments of impacts on Indigenous Peoples (including impacts on physical and cultural heritage, current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, and the health, social, and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples) were integrated into the assessment of impacts on Indigenous rights and considered in determining residual and cumulative impacts and their severity;
• describe the methodology used and agreed to by Indigenous groups for assessing impacts on their rights, and include any Indigenous-led studies that were provided if permission has been obtained from the Indigenous group to include them; and
• where an Indigenous group has not provided its views on the impact of the project on their rights to the proponent, or where the proponent and an Indigenous group, in consultation with IAAC, agree that the Indigenous group will provide information on impacts on their rights directly to IAAC [or the review panel], provide an explanation.

6 Contributions to inform decision making

At the decision-making phase of the IAA, should the decision maker determine that the adverse federal effects that are likely to be caused by the project are likely to be, to some extent, significant, the decision maker will decide whether they are justified in the public interest in light of the extent to which they are significant and of the factors set out in section 63 of the IAA. This section of the TISG outlines information that would inform IAAC’s analysis of certain section 63 factors.

6.1 Canada’s environmental obligations and climate change commitments

IAAC, with the support of federal authorities, will analyze the extent to which the project’s likely effects contribute to Canada’s ability to meet its environmental obligations, as well as Canada’s commitments in respect of climate change. [If applicable: The information gathered during the Planning phase suggests that the project would not contribute to meeting biodiversity obligations and/or GHG emission targets provide short rationale.] Where the proponent is of the view that the likely effects of the project would contribute to Canada’s environmental obligations and/or commitments in respect of climate change, the proponent is encouraged to substantiate this view in the Impact Statement by describing these likely effects and the extent of their contribution (e.g. net increase in biodiversity through ecosystem restoration; net GHG emission reductions through the deployment of carbon capture and storage).

6.1.1 Environmental obligations

Federal environmental obligations relevant to this project include those set out in the following instruments:

Biodiversity

• Convention on Biological Diversity and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its domestic framework, Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy, as well as legislation supporting its implementation including SARA and relevant recovery strategies and action plans developed under SARA available on the species at risk public registry;
• [for projects with onshore components and activities with pathway of effects to wetlands: Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar), as implemented in part under the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan];
• Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds in the United States and Canada, as implemented in part under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994), and supporting conservation objectives from ECCC’s bird conservation regions and strategies;

[insert if applicable: Air quality]

• [for projects with pathway of effects to transboundary air pollutant emissions: Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement, as implemented under the Air Quality Management System];

[insert if applicable: Water quality and quantity]

• [for projects with pathway of effects to transboundary water pollution: Canada-US Boundary Waters Treaty, as implemented by the International Joint Commission]; and

[insert if applicable: other relevant environmental obligations].

The Impact Statement must:

• list likely effects on species listed in Schedule 1 of SARA and their critical habitat, as well as identify the measures that will be taken to avoid or lessen those effects and to monitor them, including measures from any applicable provincial framework. Where applicable, refer to descriptions of effects already provided for VCs elsewhere in the Impact Statement.

Where the proponent is of the view that the likely effects of the project contribute to environmental obligations, the proponent is encouraged to:

• describe plans and commitments that contribute to the above-listed environmental obligations; and
• with respect to the biodiversity^Footnote 6 obligations:
  • describe and, where possible, quantify likely changes in biodiversity resulting from the project referring to relevant guidance such as the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Voluntary Guidelines on Biodiversity-Inclusive Impact Assessment,
  • describe whether, applying the mitigation hierarchy, the project would result in no net loss or in net positive impacts on biodiversity, and
  • describe whether and how the project’s likely effects will contribute to the targets identified in Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy such as Target 2 (ecosystem restoration), Target 3 (protected and conserved areas), Target 4 (species recovery), Target 6 (invasive alien species), Target 7 (pollution and biodiversity, focusing on chemicals and air pollutants), Target 11 (ecosystem services and functions), Target 14 (mainstreaming of biodiversity values), Target 21 (knowledge sharing), and Target 22 (inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, women/girls, youth/children, persons with disabilities, and environmental human rights defenders in decision making).

6.1.2 Climate change commitments

Where the proponent is of the view that the likely effects of the project contribute to Canada’s climate change commitments, the proponent is encouraged to describe its plans and commitments accordingly.

Greenhouse gases emissions

The proponent [if the project, as a whole, is a federal work or undertaking or on federal lands: must; otherwise: may] assess the project’s GHG emissions following the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change (SACC) and the technical guides related to the SACC, developed by ECCC, including the Guidance on quantification of net GHG emissions, impact on carbon sinks, mitigation measures, net-zero plan and upstream GHG assessment. [If component(s) of the project federal work or undertaking or on federal lands: At minimum, the proponent is required to provide the information as it relates to insert name of the project component(s).] The proponent is encouraged to keep apprised of updates to the SACC and related technical guides published by ECCC.

6.2 Sustainability

Sustainability is 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. Information throughout the TISG can be used to support the analysis of the extent to which the likely effects of the project contribute to sustainability.

6.2.1 Social and economic well-being

[If relevant, include this section and align it, including its title and content, with the VC(s) selected by IAAC as likely contributing to sustainability in section 1.2 Selection of Valued Components.

Where the proponent is of the view that the likely effects of the project contribute to sustainability, the proponent is encouraged to analyze the project’s effects on the well-being of non-Indigenous peoples, in addition to analyzing the well-being of Indigenous groups following requirements in the Indigenous Peoples section of the TISG, and include in its Impact Statement a description of:

• likely contributions of the project to components of the Community Well-Being Index (education, labour force activity, income and/or housing) identified as of importance through public consultations;
• workforce and economic development opportunities informed by local and regional economic activities and workforce capacity, including:
• opportunities for employment. Include the anticipated number and timeline of full-time and part-time positions using the National Occupational Classification system, as well as skill and education levels required for the positions.
• anticipated workforce region of origin (i.e. local, regional, out-of-province or international employees),
• investment in training opportunities,
• for transient workforce: anticipated work scheduling for construction and operation (e.g. fly-in/fly-out),
• for remote project sites: anticipated transportation options for employees to commute to and from the project site,
• for remote project sites or large workforce mobilization: accommodation and lodging requirements for the workforce during each project phase,
• workplace policies and programs such as those related to hiring and employment, codes of conduct, workplace safety, and cultural training, and
• employee assistance programs and benefits programs;
• likely effects of the project on the local and regional infrastructure and services and their capacity; and
• economic benefits for Canadians, including Gross Domestic Product growth, tax revenue, as well as indirect benefits such as investments in the development and adoption of clean technologies and growth of innovative Canadian firms, clusters, and supply chains (e.g. by providing the critical minerals necessary for the global transition to the net zero economy).]

6.2.2 Extent to which the likely effects of the project contribute to sustainability

The Impact Statement must:

• provide an analysis of the extent to which the project’s likely positive effects and adverse federal effects contribute to sustainability according to the following steps:
  • identify the VCs from section 1.2 Selection of Valued Components and any additional key issues relevant to the sustainability analysis, informed by Indigenous Knowledge and the project context [including list relevant VC(s)],
  • describe the connections between the VCs identified for the sustainability analysis,
  • consider the benefits and costs to the environmental, health, social and economic well-being of present and future generations, and
  • describe the balance of positive effects and adverse federal effects on the VCs; and
• provide a conclusion on the extent to which the project’s effects contribute to sustainability from no contribution to low, moderate or high contribution.