The Proposed Impact Assessment System

A Technical Guide

Updated August 14, 2018

A Guide to the Proposed New Impact Assessment System

A clean environment and a strong economy go hand in hand. The Government of Canada is putting in place better rules to protect our environment and grow the economy while rebuilding public trust in how decisions about resource development are made. The new legislation reflects values that are important to Canadians — including early, inclusive and meaningful public engagement; nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government partnerships with Indigenous peoples; the Government’s commitments with respect to the rights of the Indigenous peoples; timely decisions based on the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; adhering to the principles of scientific integrity, honesty, objectivity, thoroughness and accuracy; and sustainability for present and future generations.

This guide provides a step-by-step outline of the proposed new impact assessment system that would be led by the new Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency). It includes new proposed legislative, regulatory and policy elements for each step of the process. Highlighted words throughout the guide draw attention to some key legislative provisions but are not intended to capture all aspects of the proposed new Act ^{Footnote 1}.

Table of Contents

• Process Diagram:
  • Impact Assessment Process for Designated Projects
• Technical Notes:
  • Early Planning (Step 1)
  • Impact Statement (Step 2)
  • Impact Assessment (Step 3)
  • Decision-Making (Step 4)
  • Follow-up, Monitoring, and Compliance & Enforcement (Step 5)
  • Cumulative Effects

Click on the boxes below for more detail on each step.