Info Source
Table of contents
General information
Introduction to Info Source
Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information provides information about the functions, programs, activities and related information holdings of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. It provides individuals and employees of the government (current and former) with relevant information to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions subject to the Privacy Act and to exercise their rights under the Privacy Act.
The Introduction and an index of institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act are available centrally.
The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.
Background
Established in 1994, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) came into being to prepare for the implementation of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, which came into effect in early 1995. The Agency is a federal body accountable to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. The Agency provides high-quality environmental assessments (EA) that contribute to informed decision making, in support of sustainable development. The Agency is the responsible authority for most federal EAs. The current Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) came into effect on July 6, 2012. CEAA 2012 and its accompanying regulations provide the legislative framework for environmental assessments. To better understand the Agency, read about our legislative foundation.
Responsibilities
Read about the Agency's mandate and responsibilities.
The Agency's main responsibilities in conducting the environmental assessment (EA) process are to identify opportunities to avoid, eliminate or reduce a project's potential adverse impact on the environment before the project is undertaken; ensure that mitigation measures are applied; encourage public participation; promote high-quality assessment through training and guidance; provide administrative and advisory support for review panels; promote the use of strategic EA as a key tool to support sustainable decision making; promote and verify compliance with decision statements and legislative requirements; and act as the Crown Consultation Coordinator to integrate the Government of Canada's Indigenous consultation activities into the EA processes it manages to the greatest extent possible.
Institutional Functions, Programs and Activities
The Agency provides high-quality and timely environmental assessments (EA) of major projects to protect the environment and support economic growth. This is achieved under two business activities: the EA Policy Development Program and the EA Delivery Program.
Environmental Assessment Policy Development Program
The Environmental Assessment (EA) Policy Development Program develops and promotes robust policies and practices for high-quality EA in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012). This is achieved by building and reinforcing policies, procedures and criteria for the conduct of federal EA, by promoting cooperation and coordinated action between the federal government and other jurisdictions, by promoting communication and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, and by developing instruments and training for environmental practitioners. The EA Policy Development Program enables continuous improvement through research, monitoring, analysis and advice generated through the course of business as well as through specific initiatives such as review of environmental and regulatory processes. Recommendations inform the development of new regulatory and policy approaches, as well as the revision of guidance, training and knowledge-based instruments. The program also provides support for the conduct of EA through various means, such as federal-provincial agreements and policy criteria.
Cabinet Business Process
Description: Includes records related to the review of Cabinet submissions for possible implications to CEAA 2012 and to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. Document types: Correspondence, tracking logs, briefings, memoranda, meeting summaries, memoranda to Cabinet, and Treasury Board submissions. Record number: CEAA DEV 140
Environmental Assessment - Indigenous Affairs
Description: Includes records relating to five primary streams of activity: the negotiation and implementation of EA provisions in modern treaties; the implementation of certain provisions of CEAA 2012 that intersect with Indigenous matters; the integration of Indigenous consultation activities into the EA process; management and oversight of Agency governance structures; and Indigenous engagement on policy matters. Document types: Guidance, agreements, workplans, presentations, option papers, analyses, reports, briefing notes, meeting notes, memoranda, background materials, correspondence, minutes, terms of reference, and agendas. Record number: CEAA ABO 100
Federal-Provincial Agreements and Activities
Description: Includes records related to the development of federal-provincial agreements for EA cooperation and related activities, and the management of federal-provincial relations. Document types: Agreements, contracts, meeting records, correspondence, reports, memoranda, briefings, speaking points, and communiqués. Record number: CEAA FPA 115
International Affairs and Agreements
Description: Includes records related to international agreements pertinent to EA, as well as activities undertaken by the Agency to fulfill its responsibilities under those agreements. Documents also relate to the work done by the Agency to support other federal departments as well as international EA bodies and associations and management of international relationships. Document types: Analyses, reports, agreements, correspondence, memoranda, briefings, speaking points, agendas, abstract submissions, and presentations. Record number: CEAA INT 120
Regional Studies
Description: Includes records related to the regional study provisions of CEAA 2012 and the Agency's roles and responsibilities in supporting the implementation of regional studies. This includes the analysis of options for the conduct of regional studies and policy work related to the assessment of cumulative environmental effects. Document types: Policy instruments, guidance, correspondence, speaking points, memoranda, briefings, reports, and analyses. Record number: CEAA RS 180
Research and Development
Description: Includes records related to the former contribution-based research and development program administered by the Agency and the ongoing internal or contract-based research and development activities. These activities involve the selection of research and development priorities, selection process for applications for funding, management of contribution agreements, awarding of contracts, reports on research, and development results. Document types: Funding applications, agreements, statements of work, contracts, concept proposals, reports, policy instruments, guidance material, peer review, supporting documents for knowledge transfer events, mailing lists, presentations, committee records, correspondence, requests for proposals, contracts, and meetings notes. Record number: CEAA RAD 165
(COR) Environmental Assessment Training
Description: Includes records related to the development and delivery of Agency training courses relating to federal EA, strategic EA, Indigenous consultations during Environmental Assessments, and interest-based negotiation. Document Types: Course materials, policy instruments, guidance and background documents, budgets, schedules, contracts, agreements, statistical reports, tracking documents, registration forms, course evaluations, and financial information. Record Number: CEAA TAD 170
(PIB) Environmental Assessment Training
Description: This bank describes information that is related to the delivery of training available to the general public. The personal information collected may include: name, contact information (title, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and fax number), preferred language of correspondence, affiliation, supporting documentation for student and Indigenous prices, financial information, medical and accommodation requirements, signatures, personal goals for training, personal opinions, and views. Class of individuals: General public Purpose: Personal information is collected under the authority of section 106(1)(c) of CEAA 2012 for the delivery of training services, as well as to enable cost recovery of the training service. Consistent uses: Information may be used for reporting to senior management, program evaluation, planning for future training program activities, audits, and course evaluation. Retention and disposal standards: Under development RDA number: Under development Related class of record number: CEAA TAD 170 TBS registration number: 20140097 Bank number: CEAA PPU 002
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Description: Includes records related to the Agency's roles and responsibilities in promoting the application of Strategic EA in the federal government under the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals and providing training, guidance, and advice on the application of the Directive. Document types: Contracts, meeting records, guidance, procedures, analyses, reports, briefings, speaking points, and correspondence. Record number: CEAA SEA 160
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Description: Includes records related to the development of CEAA 2012 and supporting regulations (the Regulations Designating Physical Activities, the Prescribed Information for the Description of a Designated Project Regulations, and the Cost Recovery Regulations). Also includes documents related to the legislation, regulations, and associated public consultations. Document types: Records of consultations, correspondence, analyses, regulatory proposals, briefings, question period notes, memoranda, and legal opinions. Record number: CEAA LEG 125
Major Resource Projects Initiative
Description: Includes records related to the Agency's support and contributions to the Major Resource Projects Initiative. The Agency's role includes the development of policies, procedures, and guidance materials for enhancing coordination and collaboration on EA within the federal regulatory review process. Document Types: Guidance, policies, correspondence, memoranda, briefing notes, records of discussion, analyses, presentations, and agendas. Record Number: CEAA MRP 135
Quality Assurance Program
Description: Includes records related to the Agency-led Quality Assurance Program for EA conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Note: With the coming into force of CEAA 2012, this program is no longer a requirement and information has been archived. Document types: Correspondence, records of meetings, data files, analyses, and reports. Record number: CEAA QUA 175
Environmental Assessment Delivery Program
This program ensures that high-quality EAs of major projects are conducted and completed in a timely and predictable way, thereby supporting economic growth while preventing or reducing adverse environmental effects. The most appropriate means of avoiding duplication of assessment activities with other jurisdictions is applied, thereby increasing efficiency and providing certainty for all participants in the process. The Agency will promote, and monitor compliance with CEAA 2012. The EA provides for the meaningful participation of the public and Indigenous groups. Indigenous consultation obligations are integrated to the greatest extent possible with the federal EA process. As such, the Agency consults with Indigenous groups during the EA process to assess how the proposed project may adversely impact potential or established Indigenous or Treaty rights and related interests, and find ways to avoid or minimize these adverse impacts.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry Internet site
Description: Includes records related to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, which includes an Internet site that facilitates online access to key information and records about projects that are subject to the federal EA process under CEAA 2012. Note: Information about EAs undertaken under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is typically available through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Archives. Document types: Public notices, project descriptions, news releases, EA reports, decision statements, public comments, correspondence, and contact information. Record number: CEAA EAR 150
Canadian Environmental Assessment Archives
Description: Includes key information and records related to environmental assessments that were initiated after October 30, 2003 according to the provisions of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Archives is the main repository of EAs that were previously registered on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry Internet site. Note: Information about EAs that started under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and continue under the transition provisions of CEAA 2012 is available through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry Internet site. Document types: EA data, EA reports, and decision documents. Record number: To be assigned/determined.
Environmental Assessment Projects
Description: Includes records related to projects that could undergo, have undergone or are undergoing an assessment under CEAA 2012 or the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Projects include potential projects; projects being assessed by responsible authorities for whom advice is sought from the Agency; or projects subject to comprehensive study and assessment by the Agency, assessment by a review panel or assessment by a joint review panel. Document types: Reports, potential conditions, draft decision statements, environmental impact statements, guidelines, project descriptions, terms of reference, project agreements, participant distribution lists, correspondence, memoranda, briefing notes, speaking points, and records of discussions. Record number: CEAA ENV 110
Compliance Promotion and Enforcement
The compliance and enforcement Unit of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) and any decision statement issued by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
The activities include compliance promotion, and site inspections and investigations. Activities may also be carried out in cooperation with other federal, provincial and territorial governments involved in enforcement of Acts and Regulations complementary to CEAA 2012.
Description: Enforcement officers gather information, conduct inspections to verify compliance with CEAA 2012 and regulations, and pursue investigations to take appropriate enforcement measures against offenders. Contains records related to projects that could undergo, have undergone or are undergoing an assessment by the Agency, a panel or a joint review panel under CEAA 2012 and the promotion and verification of compliance with decision statements and legislative requirements, including the use of enforcement tools. Information is available on the program's core activities, these include: analysis and activities to promote compliance amongst proponents, inspections to verify compliance with CEAA 2012 and regulations, investigations of suspected violations, and information gathering and analysis to inform inspection and investigation activities. In addition, information exists on the various functions which support the program such as training, regulatory analysis, operational policy, development of guideline, strategic planning and reporting, and management of information.
Document Types: Correspondence, reports, regulatory documentation, inspections ,investigation and prosecution data, compliance strategies, compliance promotion and inspection plans, strategic planning documents, complaints, correspondence, reports, analysis, guidance, policy positions, background materials, memoranda, legal opinions, crown briefs, briefing notes, speaking points, and records of discussions.
Record number: CEAA CPE 125
Federal Environmental Assessment Index
Description: Includes key information related to EAs initiated before October 30, 2003 according to the provisions of the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The contribution of EA information was on a voluntary basis. Therefore, the Index may not contain up-to-date information on all EAs undertaken under the former Act. Note: The Index was replaced with the establishment of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry in October 2003 and has been archived. Document types: EA data. Record number: CEAA FEA 150
(COR) Participant Funding Program
Description: Includes records related to the administration of the Participant Funding Program, which provides financial assistance to support the participation of individuals, non-profit organizations, as well as Indigenous organizations and groups in the EA process or in EA-related engagement activities. Document types: Funding applications, funding review committee notes and recommendations, decisions support documents (memoranda, briefing notes), contribution agreements, program guidelines, evaluation criteria, mailing lists, correspondence, contribution expenditures, procedures, reports, assessments, and analyses. Record number: CEAA PFP 130
(PIB) Participant Funding Program
Description: This bank describes information that is related to the Participant Funding Program, which is designed to financially support participation in the environmental review process or in EA-related engagement activities. The personal information collected may include: name, contact information (title, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and fax number), preferred language of correspondence, category of applicant (individual, organization, etc.), biographical information, personal opinions and views, as well as financial information such as per diems and salaries. Class of individuals: General public and representatives of incorporated non-profit organizations, unincorporated associations, groups or organizations, bands (as defined by the Indian Act), and indigenous government created from a self-government agreement, trusts or limited partnerships. Purpose: Personal information is collected under the authority of sections 57 and 58 of CEAA 2012 for the assessment of applications for funding under the Participant Funding Program and the disbursement of funds to successful applicants. Consistent uses: Information, including the identities of individuals and the amount of funding allocated, will be posted on the Agency website as well as the proactive disclosure section of the Agency's website, consistent with the requirements in the Guidelines on the Proactive Disclosure of Contracts. Information may be used for reporting to senior management, program evaluation, audit, and evaluation. Retention and disposal standards: Under development RDA number: Under development Related class of record number: CEAA PFP 130 TBS registration number: 20140093 Bank number: CEAA PPU 001
Internal Services
Internal services constitute groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are management and oversight services, communications services, legal services, human resources management services, financial management services, information management services, information technology services, real property services, materiel services, acquisition services, and travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization, and not to those provided specifically to a program.
Acquisition Services
Acquisition services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfill a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.
Procurement and Contracting Class of Record
Professional Services Contracts Personal Information Bank
Communications Services
Communications services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well-coordinated, and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public – internal or external – receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management, and evaluation of policies, programs, services, and initiatives.
Communications Class of Record
Internal Communications Personal Information Bank
Public Communications Personal Information Bank
Financial Management Services
Financial management services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.
Financial Management Class of Record
Accounts Payable Personal Information Bank
Accounts Receivable Personal Information Bank
Acquisition Cards Personal Information Bank
Personnel Security Screening Personal Information Bank
Relocation Personal Information Bank
Human Resources Management Services
Human resources management services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and plans.
Awards (Pride and Recognition) Class of Record
Recognition Program Personal Information Bank
Classification of Positions Class of Records
Staffing Personal Information Bank
Compensation and Benefits Class of Record
Attendance and Leave Personal Information Bank
Pay and Benefits Personal Information Bank
Employment Equity and Diversity Class of Record
Employment Equity and Diversity Personal Information Bank
Hospitality Personal Information Bank
Human Resources Planning Class of Record
Human Resources Planning Personal Information Bank
Labour Relations Class of Record
Canadian Human Rights Act - Complaints Personal Information Bank
Discipline Personal Information Bank
Grievances Personal Information Bank
Harassment Personal Information Bank
Disclosure of Wrongdoing in the Workplace Personal Information Bank
Occupational Health and Safety Class of Record
Employee Assistance Personal Information Bank
Occupational Health and Safety Personal Information Bank
Official Languages Class of Record
Official Languages Personal Information Bank
Performance Management Reviews Class of Record
Performance Management Reviews Personal Information Bank
Recruitment and Staffing Class of Record
Applications for Employment Personal Information Bank
Employee Personnel Record Personal Information Bank
EX Talent Management Personal Information Bank
Training and Development Class of Record
Training and Development Personal Information Bank
Information Management Services
Information management services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.
Access to Information and Privacy Class of Record
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act Requests Personal Information Bank
Information Management Class of Record
Information Technology Services
Information technology services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.
Information Technology Class of Record
Electronic Network Monitoring Personal Information Bank
Legal Services
Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.
Legal Services Class of Record
Management and Oversight Services
Management and oversight services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, or plans.
Cooperation and Liaison Class of Record
Lobbying Act Requirements Personal Information Bank
Outreach Activities Personal Information Bank
Executive Services Class of Record
Executive Correspondence Personal Information Bank
Internal Audit and Evaluation Class of Record
Evaluation Personal Information Bank
Internal Audit Personal Information Bank
Planning and Reporting Class of Record
Materiel Services
Materiel services involve activities undertaken to ensure that materiel can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.
Materiel Management Class of Record
Vehicle, Ship, Boat and Aircraft Accidents Personal Information Bank
Real Property
Real property services involve activities undertaken to ensure that real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.
Real Property Management Class of Record
Real Property Management Personal Information Bank
Travel and Other Administrative Services
Travel and other administrative services include Government of Canada travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not smoothly fit with any of the internal services categories.
Administrative Services Class of Record
Parking Personal Information Bank
Boards, Committees and Council Class of Record
Governor in Council Appointments Personal Information Bank
Members of Boards, Committees and Councils Personal Information Bank
Business Continuity Planning Class of Record
Business Continuity Planning Personal Information Bank
Proactive Disclosure Class of Record
Hospitality Personal Information Bank
Travel Personal Information Bank
Identification Cards and Access Badges Personal Information Bank
Disclosure of Wrongdoing in the Workplace Personal Information Bank
Personnel Security Screening Personal Information Bank
Security Incidents and Privacy Breaches Personal Information Bank
Travel Personal Information Bank
Classes of Personal Information
Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry
This class describes personal information collected and used in support of the EA process. This process provides individuals and groups the opportunity to submit comments regarding proposed projects that are subject to the federal EA process under CEAA 2012. Comments can be submitted by e-mail, via fax or by regular mail. Information collected may include names, phone numbers, addresses, personal opinions and views, as well as biographical information such as education and experience.
The personal information collected through the EA process is not used for any administrative purpose that could affect the individual at any step during the process. Decisions regarding the EA may take into account information submitted, but will not rely on one individual's submission. Information is not organized or intended to be retrieved by a personal identifier. Personal information collected, such as contact information and signatures of individuals, is removed before comments are placed in the Registry, unless otherwise authorized by the individual.
Manuals
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
The following documents provide guidance on the legislated obligations for federal EAs under CEAA 2012.
Operational Policy Statements
Assessing Cumulative Environmental Effects under CEAA 2012
Addressing “Purpose of” and “Alternative Means” under CEAA 2012
Technical Guidance
Guide to Preparing a Description of a Designated Project under CEAA 2012
Assessing Physical and Cultural Heritage or any Structure, Site or Thing that is of Historical, Archeological, Paleontological or Architectural Significance under CEAA 2012
Draft Technical Guidance for Assessing Cumulative Environmental Effects Under CEAA 2012
Reference Guide
Participant Funding Program Application Forms under CEAA 2012
Participant Funding Program – National Program Guidelines under CEAA 2012
Practitioners Glossary for the Environmental Assessment of Designated Projects under CEAA 2012
Considering Indigenous Traditional Knowledge in Environmental Assessments Conducted under CEAA 2012
Designating a Project under CEAA 2012 Screening Process under CEAA 2012
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
All documents related to environmental assessments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act are kept for the completion of transitional EAs commenced prior to CEAA 2012. Some information contained in the documents may still be of interest to those undertaking EAs under CEAA 2012, provided that they have not been replaced by an updated version in the previous section.
Procedural Guides
Cumulative Effects Assessment Practitioners' Guide
Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects
Incorporating Climate Change Considerations in Environmental Assessment: General Guidance for Practitioners
Determining Whether a Project is Likely to Cause Significant Adverse Environmental Effects
Guide to Assessing Environmental Effects on Physical and Cultural Heritage Resources
Operational Policy Statements
Adaptive Management Measures under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
Addressing "Need for", "Purpose of", "Alternatives to" and "Alternative Means" under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
Follow-up Programs under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
Public Participation
Public Participation Guide
Ministerial Guideline on Assessing the Need for and Level of Public Participation in Screenings under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
Other
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act: An Overview
Glossary: Terms Commonly Used in Federal Environmental Assessment
Guide on Biodiversity and Environmental Assessment
Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Cabinet Directive represents the official policy on strategic EA for the Government of Canada. As such, all departments and agencies that are developing policy, plan and program proposals are obligated to implement the Cabinet Directive consistent with the guidelines for implementing the Cabinet Directive.
Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals
Guidance on Public Statement for Federal Departments and Agencies
Additional Information
How to request information
For information on how to make a formal request under the Access to Information Act or Privacy Act, go to the Access to Information and Privacy section of the Agency website.
The Government of Canada encourages the release of information through requests outside of the Access to information and privacy (ATIP) process. You may wish to consult the Government of Canada's completed Access to Information requests website. To make an informal request, contact the ATIP Office.
For additional information about the programs and activities of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, please contact us.
Reading Room
In accordance with the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, the applicant may wish to review material in person.
Page details
- Date modified: