Ottawa, 9 June 2009 – Export Development Canada’s environmental review processes meet standards followed by other OECD countries to ensure that potential environmental effects of development projects are reviewed, said Scott Vaughan, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, in a Report tabled today in the House of Commons and the Senate.
The audit, required every five years under the Export Development Act, looked at the design and implementation of EDC’s Environmental Review Directive and other environmental review processes. The audit found that these processes were suitably designed and generally consistent with those of other G7 countries as well as OECD standards.
“EDC’s environmental review processes are generally in line with international practices,” said Mr. Vaughan. “We encourage EDC to consider emerging practices being adopted by other G7 countries, such as tracking greenhouse gas emissions from projects it has financed.”
The audit found that EDC monitors global developments to ensure that its own environmental review processes continue to meet international standards. It also ensures that its employees have the training and skills they need–for example, to recognize potential environmental risks in the financing of long-term projects.
“We are satisfied that EDC has reviewed the suitability of its environmental review processes and has implemented these processes as designed,” said Mr. Vaughan.
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“Environmental Review at Export Development Canada” is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
For more information, please click here.
