Funding Available to Support Indigenous Participation in the Development of Policy and Guidance on the Proposed new Impact Assessment System

December 5, 2018 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Canadians expect a clear and transparent assessment of environmental and economic impacts of major projects, and the Government of Canada understands that better rules are necessary to ensure good projects get built. These better rules will protect our environment, rebuild public trust, and encourage investment.

These better rules will also ensure Indigenous rights are respected. That’s why the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is making funding available to assist the participation of Indigenous peoples in future consultation and engagement activities on the development of policies and guidance related to the proposed new impact assessment system.

Improvements in the proposed new impact assessment system for Indigenous peoples include:

• Respect for Indigenous rights, including mandatory consideration of impacts on rights and Indigenous culture
• Indigenous engagement and partnership early and throughout the process
• Mandatory consideration of Indigenous knowledge
• Provisions for arrangements with Indigenous groups to exercise powers and duties under the legislation
• Aiming to secure free, prior and informed consent through processes based on mutual respect and dialogue

The Agency will work with the new Indigenous Advisory Committee to develop approaches for ongoing policy engagement that builds on the input and recommendations received throughout the review of environmental and regulatory processes. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals by January 14, 2019. Recipients and the amount of funding allocated will be announced at a later date.

For more information on this participant funding, including what activities are eligible and how to apply, please refer to the Public Notice.

Additional information can be found under Indigenous engagement on the proposed new impact assessment system.