Provisions for more meaningful public participation still elusive in proposed Canadian EA Bill

Abstract

This research examined public consultations on the citizen engagement provisions of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act prior to submission of an amending Bill to Parliament. Primary data collection focused on a review of documentation including statutes, regulations, policies, proceedings and reports from workshops, and written public input. The discussion is organized around three key themes: public participation; Aboriginal involvement; and access to information. Eight changes proposed in the Bill have potential to improve citizen engagement, but they do not embody other significant suggestions made during consultations. Other changes leave serious questions unanswered in regard to public engagement, such as the decision of when to proceed with hearings. The Bill is, however, still open to amendment.

Keywords:

• public participation
• environmental assessment
• legislation
• Canada