The Impact Assessment Process: Timelines and Outputs

Pre-planning

10 Days Service Standard

Up to 180 Days

IA by Agency

Agency engages on Initial Project Description and prepares Summary of Issues
Proponent submits Detailed Project Description with response to Summary of Issues
Agency determines if impact assessment is required – posts Notice of Determination
If impact assessment required, Agency develops draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and draft plans
Agency issues ﬁnal Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans to the proponent — posts Notice of Commencement

IA by a review panel

Minister may refer impact assessment to review panel (within 45 days of Notice of Commencement)

IA by a Jurisdiction

Minister may approve request that impact assessment be conducted by another jurisdiction

Up to 3 years

IA by the Agency

Proponent submits Impact Statement and supplements it, as needed
Agency posts notice to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry) when all required studies and information are provided
Agency implements the Public Participation Plan, Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, Permitting Plan and/or Cooperation Plan

IA by a review panel

Proponent submits Impact Statement and supplements it, as needed
Minister issues Panel Terms of Reference and Agency appoints review panel members (no later than 45 days from accepting Impact Statement)
Agency posts a notice on the Registry when all required studies and information have been provided
Agency or review panel implements the Public Participation Plan and/or Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, Permitting Plan and/or Cooperation Plan

Up to 300 days

IA by the Agency

Agency conducts impact assessment
Agency develops an Impact Assessment Report and any potential conditions and provides them to the Minister
Agency implements the Public Participation Plan and/or Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, Permitting Plan and/or Cooperation Plan

Up to 600 days | Integrated Assessment: Up to 300 days

IA by a review panel

Review panel conducts impact assessment and holds hearing
Review panel develops an Impact Assessment Report and any potential conditions and provides them to the Minister
Agency or review panel implements the Public Participation Plan and/or Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, Permitting Plan and/or Cooperation Plan

Minister: 30 days | Governor in Council : 90 days

Minister decides whether the project's adverse effects are in the public interest, or refers to Governor in Council (GIC)
Minister issues Decision Statement with detailed reasons and any conditions

(if decision allows project to proceed)

Ongoing

Proponent implments conditions in Decision Statement, an Agency or lifecycle regulator veriﬁes compliance
Indigenous and community monitoring committees, as needed