Stephen Hazell, representing Nature Canada, appeared before the House of Commons Finance Committee on June 3rd to speak to the federal government’s proposed changes to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). While the government’s proposed changes do address the Supreme Court of Canada’s concerns from its October 2023 decision, they ultimately go too far, and leave the door open for polluting proposed projects to go unassessed.
As part of his remarks, Hazell gave 4 recommendations for changes to the IAA:
Add “a significant adverse change to the environment that is caused by air pollution and that occurs outside of Canada or in a province other than the one in which the physical activity or the designated project is being carried out” to the definition of “adverse effects within federal jurisdiction”.
Include all adverse changes to international and interprovincial waters—and not just pollution-related changes—as adverse effects within federal jurisdiction.
Adverse changes to the marine environment should be defined as adverse effects within federal jurisdiction whether or not the changes occur inside or outside Canada.
Retain the word “hinder” in section 63(e) of the IAA. The federal government must continue to have authority to consider whether a project hinders or contributes to Canada’s ability to meet its environmental obligations and climate change commitments as a factor in making its public interest decision.
You can read his full speaking notes here.