Summary

In this module you learned about the Decision-making phase. The key summary points include:

Select each item for more information.

Item 1

The prime focus of the Decision-making phase of the impact assessment process is determining if the adverse effects of the project within federal jurisdiction, and the adverse direct or incidental effects (resulting from federal decisions), are in the public interest. Public interest is at the centre of decision-making.

Item 2

The Decision-making phase has two primary objectives. These are to make: 1. timely and transparent determinations about whether the adverse effects of the project, and adverse direct or incidental effects (result of federal decisions), are in the public interest; and 2. decisions taking into account the Impact Assessment Report, and in consideration of the public interest factors.

Item 3

When the Minister of Environment and Climate Change makes the public interest determination, the Minister must issue the Decision Statement no later than 30 days from the time the Impact Assessment Report is posted on the Registry. When the Governor in Council makes the public interest determination, the Minister must issue the Decision Statement no later than 90 days.

Item 4

The public interest determination must be based on the Impact Assessment Report and a consideration of the public interest factors from s. 63 of the IAA.

Item 5

The Minister and the Governor in Council may have roles throughout the Decision-making phase: 1. the Minister makes the public interest determination or refers the public interest determination to the Governor in Council for impact assessments by the Agency, and Issues the Decision Statement to the proponent; 2. the Governor in Council makes the public interest determination for assessments by review panel or if referred by the Minister; and 3. the Agency posts the Decision Statement to the Registry.

Item 6

The Decision Statement issued by the Minister includes: 1. public interest determination; 2. reasons for the determination; 3. enforceable conditions; 4. expiry date; and 5. project description.

Item 7

Once the public interest determination is made and the Minister has issued a Decision Statement, and if the project is allowed to proceed, the project proponent may seek regulatory decision(s) required to enable the project to proceed.