The Panel reviewing the proposed Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine project has issued the schedule for the public hearing to begin on March 22, 2010 in Williams Lake, B.C.
The public hearing provides the proponent, federal and provincial government departments, First Nations and members of the public with an opportunity to present their views on the project and its potential effects. The Panel will conduct the public hearing in a manner that ensures a thorough examination of relevant matters and encourages public input and participation. To ensure that the hearing offers all parties an opportunity to participate, the Panel will hold three types of hearing sessions:
The general sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to present their overall views and conclusions on the project and its potential impacts. Presentations at general hearing sessions may be on any aspect within the scope of the panel review.
The community sessions will be more informal and be held in selected communities within the project area. These sessions will allow participants an opportunity to present to the Panel their views on the project’s impacts and on issues of importance to First Nations.
The topic-specific sessions are expected to be more technical in nature and will provide an opportunity for interested parties with a special interest, knowledge or responsibility to share their views with the Panel in relation to the following subjects: alternative means of carrying out the project; water quality and quantity; fish and fish habitat; terrestrial ecosystem; and socio-economics.
All hearing sessions are open to all interested parties and the general public. The hearing schedule will be revised as needed. The current schedule is as follows:
* additional evening sessions may be held, as necessary
Participants who wish to make a presentation to the Panel at any of the hearing sessions are asked to register with the Panel secretariat by the dates indicated above. To register, file a submission for the hearing sessions and schedule your presentation, contact:
Colette Spagnuolo, Panel Manager
160 Elgin Street, Ottawa ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613-957-0541 or Toll free: 1-866-582-1884
Cell phone: 613-282-8245
Email: prosperity.review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Members of the public who do not register in advance but register just prior to or during a hearing session may still have an opportunity to address the Panel if time allows.
An audio recording, transcripts of the proceedings as well as all submissions received throughout the review process, will be available on the online registry. The public hearing procedures, which are currently available, outline how the various sessions will unfold.
Following the close of the public hearing, the Panel will complete its report within 60 days, as outlined in its terms of reference.
More information on the panel review, including the hearing procedures document and the hearing schedule, is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, under registry number 09-05-44811.
