Integrated assessments

On this page

• What is an integrated assessment
• Who conducts an integrated assessment
• What are the benefits
• How is it conducted

What is an integrated assessment

In Canada, some projects have lifecycle regulators which regulate the project’s activity throughout its life. Examples include pipelines and some nuclear projects. When an impact assessment is required for these types of projects, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) conducts an “integrated assessment” with the lifecycle regulator. These assessments integrate the regulatory requirements of the lifecycle regulator into the impact assessment process.

The lifecycle regulators are the:

• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
• Canada Energy Regulator (CER)

Integrated assessments benefit from the lifecycle regulator’s experience and expertise, while ensuring the principle of “one project, one assessment”.

Nuclear projects

In the nuclear sector, some projects must go through an integrated impact assessment if they are:

• “designated,” meaning they are subject to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) as described in the Physical Activities Regulations (i.e., the Project List); and
• regulated by the CNSC under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA).

For example, the preparation, construction, operation and/or decommissioning of major nuclear facilities would be designated nuclear projects and require an integrated assessment.

Pipelines and power lines

Pipelines and power lines within federal jurisdiction must go through an integrated impact assessment if they are:

• “designated,” meaning subject to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) as described in the Physical Activities Regulations (i.e., the Project List); and
• regulated by the CER under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act).

For example, pipelines that cross provincial borders would require an integrated assessment.

Who conducts an integrated assessment

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change who is responsible for IAAC refers projects that require an integrated assessment to an integrated review panel. The integrated review panel is comprised of members who work with the lifecycle regulator and are appointed by IAAC. The panel must include one appointee from the lifecycle regulator. Other members may be appointed from a roster of potential candidates established by the Minister.

The integrated review panel is responsible for:

• leading the engagement process during the impact assessment phase
• holding hearings open to the public, potentially affected Indigenous groups, and federal authorities;
• preparing the impact assessment report with recommendations and conclusions
• issuing applicable licences as the decision-making body for the lifecycle regulator

What are the benefits

Integrated assessments provide robust, independent evaluation of potential impacts of proposed projects and meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous Peoples and the public. Like all assessments they are transparent and make informed decision-making based on western science and Indigenous Knowledge

How is it conducted

Integrated assessments are organized into five phases but as with all assessments, early dialogue with the project proponent, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and other jurisdictions is encouraged before an assessment begins. While each phase has a legislated timeline, the goal is to complete the entire assessment process within 3 years.

The five phases are:

• Phase 1: Planning (max 180 days)

  The proponent presents its project description. Formal engagement activities with the public and Indigenous Peoples begin. All documents, including the ability to comment, are available on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (Registry).

  In this phase IAAC issues Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and other plans to the proponent, outlining the information and studies required to develop and Impact Statement. The Minister refers the assessment to an integrated review panel.

• Phase 2: Impact Statement (max 3 years)

  The proponent develops its Impact Statement. IAAC and the lifecycle regulator develop the panel’s terms of reference. IAAC appoints the chairperson and panel members.

  IAAC and the lifecycle regulator, along with the public and Indigenous Peoples, review the proponent’s Impact Statement that is posted on the Registry The proponent addresses concerns or missing information. IAAC ensures that all required information has been provided and posted to the Registry.

• Phase 3: Impact Assessment (300 days)

  The review panel conducts its analysis by considering potential environmental, health, social and economic impacts of proposed projects, including benefits, based on the Impact Statement. The potential impacts on Indigenous Peoples and their rights are also assessed.

  Engagement activities with the public, Indigenous Peoples, and federal authorities continue. The panel holds a public hearing. The panel prepares its impact assessment report and submits it to the Minister. The report is posted on the Registry.

• Phase 4: Decision (max 90 days)

  The Governor in Council determines if the project should move forward. If the project can move forward, the Minister issues the Decision Statement with conditions (if any) which are posted on the Registry.

• Phase 5: Post Decision (ongoing)

  The integrated review panel, acting on behalf of the lifecycle regulator, makes the licensing decision based on the assessment.

  IAAC and the lifecycle regulator are normally responsible for overseeing the compliance and enforcement of any conditions the project proponent might have to address that were identified during the assessment, but on occasion this falls to the lifecycle regulator. In such cases, it may also issue any applicable licence(s) for future project phases.

  To consult completed or current integrated assessments, visit the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry.

Lifecycle regulators

Lifecycle regulators have roles throughout the process, when applicable. They collaborate with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) through an integrated assessment process that meets the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) and their own regulatory requirements.

IAAC will draw upon their expert knowledge and ensure that safety, licensing requirements, international obligations, and other key regulatory factors are considered as part of a single, integrated assessment, as appropriate.

Federal authorities

Federal departments or agencies that are in possession of specialist or expert information or knowledge with respect to a project, upon request, have the obligation of:

• making information available to IAAC, review panel or body conducting the impact assessment; and
• engaging with the proponent.

Their expertise may be used at any stage of the impact assessment process.

Impact assessment report

Document produced by IAAC summarizing the impact assessment process that takes into consideration the information and analysis by the proponent and associated perspectives including of expert federal departments, Indigenous groups, the public and provincial, territorial, or Indigenous jurisdictions. The Impact Assessment Report must provide sufficient information to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change or Cabinet to allow them to make the public interest decision.

Impact Statement

Detailed technical document prepared by the proponent as per the requirements set out in the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines.

Public hearing

A public forum that provides an opportunity for the review panel to obtain the information required to complete its assessment and for Indigenous groups, the public and other participants to participate in the impact assessment by presenting information and testing the information on the record.

Governor in Council

The Governor General of Canada acting by and with the advice and consent of the King's Privy Council for Canada (i.e., Cabinet).

Decision Statement

Document issued by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change that states whether a project is approved to move forward. The document also includes enforceable conditions the proponent must follow. These conditions include measures to mitigate adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, and adverse direct or incidental effects, as well as a follow-up program requirements.

Conditions

The requirements included in a Decision Statement issued by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change with which the proponent of the designated project must comply. These include mitigation measures and follow-up program requirements.

Proponent

A person or entity that proposes the carrying out of, or carries out, a project.