44th Parliament207Open for signatureFebruary 26, 2024e-4799e-4799 (Environment)DanielGreenElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsGreen PartyBCFebruary 26, 2024, at 3:13 p.m. (EDT)June 25, 2024, at 3:13 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278910" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Environment and Climate Change</Addressee>Whereas: The Northvolt battery plant is to be built on a highly contaminated site along the Richelieu River;Toxic substances in the soil could seep through during construction and contaminate the Richelieu and St. Lawrence rivers, causing serious harm to the species that live there, including the copper redhorse and beluga whale - two protected species; and It is essential to protect our rivers and ecosystems by conducting a proper environmental assessment of this project.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to: 1. Initiate public environmental assessment hearings to ensure transparency and protect our precious natural resources;2. Not blindly trust a large, private company to protect the public’s interests; and3. Undertake a thorough environmental assessment of the Northvolt project to prevent potential negative impacts on our precious environment.Automotive industryEnvironmental assessment44th Parliament223Government response tabledAugust 16, 2023e-4397e-4397 (Transportation)StanisSmithBonitaZarrilloPort Moody—CoquitlamNDPBCApril 18, 2023, at 10:55 a.m. (EDT)June 17, 2023, at 10:55 a.m. (EDT)June 21, 2023August 16, 2023June 19, 2023Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:Transport Canada establishes the regulatory framework for NAV CANADA;That regulatory framework includes minimizing the impact of aircraft noise and emissions on communities; andNAV CANADA is proposing to change the flightpaths over the Greater Vancouver region in ways that will increase noise and emissions in many residential areas currently unaffected by flightpaths.We, the undersigned, residents of the Greater Vancouver region, call upon the Minister of Transport to prepare an independent environmental assessment of the noise and emissions impacts of the proposed flightpaths, including recommendations for minimizing such impacts, prior to the proposed changes taking place. This environmental assessment should be based on the latest global research and recommendations for noise and emissions limits, should be independent of NAV CANADA, and should be made public when completed.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of TransportNAV CANADA is undertaking the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project to modernize the airspace over the Greater Vancouver Region and Southern Vancouver Island to enhance aviation safety by introducing new procedures based on current design standards and modern satellite-based navigation technologies, while reducing the industry’s environmental impacts. This project is to ensure the modernized airspace can safely and efficiently support long-term demand for air travel, which is a key driver for the local and Canadian economy.  NAV CANADA is a private, arm's length corporation responsible for the provision of air navigation services in Canada. This responsibility was transferred from Transport Canada to NAV CANADA in 1996 in accordance with the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act. Transport Canada provides safety oversight for these services and the focus is on the safety and security of the civil aviation system, which is regulated through the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations.  Redesigning airspace to accommodate the increasing demands for passenger, cargo, flight training and recreational operations with a wide range of aircraft types, in an area with many airports,  in the mountainous terrain and coastal region weather in the Vancouver Lower Mainland  is a complex matter. The project involves detailed analyses that assess the safety and efficiency of the flight paths within the context of changing technology and safety requirements, all while considering the impact of noise and emissions in the communities in the vicinity of an airport. Aircraft noise is a complicated and often difficult issue faced by airport authorities and communities around the world and it is essential that the public has the opportunity to provide their feedback on potential changes.  That is why the Government of Canada put forward Bill C-52, which if passed, would create a process for airports to notify and consult the public on changes to airport design that could affect aircraft noise.Some aircraft, like cars, can be noisier than others due to age, model, modifications, and how close they are to public and private spaces. However, Canadian aircraft must meet noise standards outlined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations at the time of certification. Further information can be found here: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/operating-airports-aerodromes/managing-noise-aircraft   In the matter of authority to require an environmental assessment of the potential airspace change, such authority is vested with Environment and Climate Change Canada. This department has confirmed that airspace changes are not included in the Physical Activity Regulations that would trigger an assessment under the Impact Assessment Act. Inquiries regarding activities that are outside of the Physical Activity Regulations can be made by email at: enviroinfo@ec.gc.caTransport Canada previously worked with Canadian airports and NAV CANADA to develop a voluntary protocol for the aviation industry entitled Airspace Change Communications and Consultation Protocol that was published in 2015. This protocol amplified the aviation industry’s commitment to include environmental considerations to communicate and consult with communities. More information can be found here: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/aviation-industry-airspace-change-communications-and-consultation-protocol-en.pdf  NAV CANADA is already following this voluntary protocol for the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project to assess noise and emissions impacts. NAV CANADA has also been communicating and consulting with stakeholders and the public and they will continue until all recommendations are formalized. Reports on the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project are anticipated to be released in late August or early September 2023. The Reports will be made public and additional discussions will occur early this Fall. Noise related issues and suggestions for airport operating restrictions are discussions that would be best addressed with Vancouver International Airport’s management. Contact details for their executive team can be found here: https://www.yvr.ca/en/about-yvr/leadership-and-accountability/the-executive-committee. 
Air trafficEnvironmental assessmentNoise and noise pollutionVancouver
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 19, 2023441-01505441-01505 (Environment)MatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONJune 5, 2023July 19, 2023February 20, 2023Petition to the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeWhereas:
  • The government of Ontario has proposed Highway 413, a new 52-kilometer mega-highway which would pave over 2,400 acres of land including the protected Greenbelt, farms, forests, wetlands, and the traditional Indigenous lands of the Mississauga, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Chippewa, and Six Nations;
  • Highway 413 would increase greenhouse gas emissions by over 17 million tonnes by 2050, resulting in $1.4 billion in damages from said emissions;
  • Highway 413 would cost taxpayers $6 billion for a project that would do little to reduce traffic congestion and is redundant given its proximity to Highway 407;
  • Construction of Highway 413 would further endanger at least 29 federally-listed species at risk;
  • In the midst of the climate crisis, the Highway 413 project would only increase transportation emissions for a province that is already not on track to meet its targets for emissions reduction;
  • Ontario is attempting to undermine the provincial environmental impact assessment by allowing construction to begin before the assessment is completed and attempting to make highways less than 75 kilometers exempt from environmental assessments;
  • The majority of municipalities that would be affected by Highway 413 are opposed to the project and have passed motions requesting a federal environmental impact assessment; and
  • The impacts of the proposed highway fall under federal jurisdiction, such as, greenhouse gas emissions, federally-listed species at risk, and treaty rights.
We, the undersigned residents of the province of Ontario, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to commence a complete and thorough federal environmental impact assessment to identify, predict and evaluate the environmental effects of the Highway 413 project and conduct public hearings prior to the start of its construction.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Act (the IAA) and its regulations establish the legal framework for federal impact assessments. On May 3, 2021, the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that the Highway 413 Project (the Project) warranted designation under the IAA. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) awaits the submission of an Initial Project Description from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (the Proponent). Once the Agency determines that the Initial Project Description conforms with the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations (the Regulations), the impact assessment process will begin with the 180-day Planning Phase.During the Planning Phase, the Agency will conduct a public comment period during which Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, federal authorities, and other participants will have an opportunity to provide input and identify key issues of concerns about the Project. The Agency provides these key issues to the Proponent as a Summary of Issues. The Proponent must then provide a Detailed Project Description to the Agency, which includes a response to the Summary of Issues that explains how it intends to address the issues raised. Following receipt of a Detailed Project Description that conforms to the Regulations, the Agency will decide whether an impact assessment is required for the Project. The Agency’s decision, including reasons, will be posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry).If an impact assessment is required, the Agency continues to engage with Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, and federal authorities to develop the Public Participation Plan, the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, the Cooperation Plan, the Permitting Plan, and the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, which includes the scope of the factors that are considered as part of the impact assessment. The Agency must then issue the final Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans to the Proponent, and post a Notice of Commencement of the Impact Assessment on the Registry before the end of the 180-day Planning Phase. The impact assessment, including public and Indigenous consultations, and the Minister’s decision, would be completed within one year after the Agency accepts the Proponent’s Impact Statement.   
Environmental assessmentHighway 413Ontario
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 16, 2023441-01416441-01416 (Environment)MatthewGreenHamilton CentreNDPONMay 3, 2023June 16, 2023February 3, 2023Petition to the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeWhereas:
  • The government of Ontario has proposed Highway 413, a new 52-kilometer mega-highway which would pave over 2,400 acres of land including the protected Greenbelt, farms, forests, wetlands, and the traditional Indigenous lands of the Mississauga, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Chippewa, and Six Nations;
  • Highway 413 would increase greenhouse gas emissions by over 17 million tonnes by 2050, resulting in $1.4 billion in damages from said emissions;
  • Highway 413 would cost taxpayers $6 billion for a project that would do little to reduce traffic congestion and is redundant given its proximity to Highway 407;
  • Construction of Highway 413 would further endanger at least 29 federally-listed species at risk;
  • In the midst of the climate crisis, the Highway 413 project would only increase transportation emissions for a province that is already not on track to meet its targets for emissions reduction;
  • Ontario is attempting to undermine the provincial environmental impact assessment by allowing construction to begin before the assessment is completed and attempting to make highways less than 75 kilometers exempt from environmental assessments;
  • The majority of municipalities that would be affected by Highway 413 are opposed to the project and have passed motions requesting a federal environmental impact assessment; and
  • The impacts of the proposed highway fall under federal jurisdiction, such as, greenhouse gas emissions, federally-listed species at risk, and treaty rights.
We, the undersigned residents of the province of Ontario, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to commence a complete and thorough federal environmental impact assessment to identify, predict and evaluate the environmental effects of the Highway 413 project and conduct public hearings prior to the start of its construction.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Act (the IAA) and its regulations establish the legal framework for federal impact assessments. On May 3, 2021, the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that the Highway 413 Project (the Project) warranted designation under the IAA. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) awaits the submission of an Initial Project Description from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (the Proponent). Once the Agency determines that the Initial Project Description conforms with the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations (the Regulations), the impact assessment process will begin with the 180-day Planning Phase.During the Planning Phase, the Agency will conduct a public comment period during which Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, federal authorities, and other participants will have an opportunity to provide input and identify key issues of concerns about the Project. The Agency provides these key issues to the Proponent as a Summary of Issues. The Proponent must then provide a Detailed Project Description to the Agency, which includes a response to the Summary of Issues that explains how it intends to address the issues raised. Following receipt of a Detailed Project Description that conforms to the Regulations, the Agency will decide whether an impact assessment is required for the Project. The Agency’s decision, including reasons, will be posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry).If an impact assessment is required, the Agency continues to engage with Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, and federal authorities to develop the Public Participation Plan, the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, the Cooperation Plan, the Permitting Plan, and the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, which includes the scope of the factors that are considered as part of the impact assessment. The Agency must then issue the final Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans to the Proponent, and post a Notice of Commencement of the Impact Assessment on the Registry before the end of the 180-day Planning Phase.  
Environmental assessmentHighway 413Ontario
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMay 15, 2023e-3929e-3929 (Natural resources and energy)SuzanneDeonCherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservativeONMarch 29, 2022, at 2:42 p.m. (EDT)June 27, 2022, at 2:42 p.m. (EDT)March 31, 2023May 15, 2023June 28, 2022Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) at Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) is a safe, responsible, intensely studied, and highly appropriate solution for the remediation of low-level waste;The NSDF project will significantly improve environmental conditions at CRL, reducing risk to the Ottawa River, the local environment and nearby communities;Nuclear energy is an important part of Canada’s clean energy future and commitment to net-zero;Nuclear is the only Canadian energy sector that manages all its waste by-products, accounts for their disposal, and fully funds environmental remediation activities;CNL has conducted extensive Indigenous and public engagement on the NSDF project;Canada has been a global leader in nuclear science and technology for over 75 years;More than one billion medical procedures have been performed using medical isotopes produced at CRL, benefiting people around the world;Canadians expect decisions to be based on the facts and merits of a proposal and not unduly delayed by alarmist opinions, rooted in bias or misinformation; andThe Government of Canada is committed to science and evidence-based decision-making.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Maintain its commitment to science and evidence-based decision-making;2. Support the results of the NSDF Environmental Assessment, overseen by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Canada’s internationally respected and independent regulator;3. Cause no undue delays to the safe remediation of legacy wastes based on misinformation; and4. Acknowledge the right to be engaged, and a duty to be informed.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to the safe, effective, and environmentally sound management of radioactive waste. Protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is the government’s top priority when it comes to nuclear energy and radioactive waste.Nuclear power provides affordable non-emitting energy to communities as Canadians move toward a net-zero electricity system by 2035. Nuclear power creates jobs and economic opportunities across Canada while displacing fossil fuels domestically and globally.As part of the Government’s continuous efforts to ensure that radioactive waste management and disposal is carried out in a safe, environmentally sound, comprehensive, and integrated manner, now and for generations to come, in March 2023, the Government released Canada’s modernized Policy for Radioactive Waste and Decommissioning. Four priorities form the basis of Canada’s Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning: 
  • Protection of health, safety, security of people and the environment, and ensuring nuclear non-proliferation; 
  • Inclusive engagement, openness, and transparency on radioactive waste management and decommissioning matters; 
  • Recognition of Canada’s deep commitment to building partnerships and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples related to the management of radioactive waste and decommissioning, based on the recognition of rights, respect, collaboration and partnership; and, 
  • Global excellence in the fields of radioactive waste management and decommissioning. 
The recently modernized Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning builds on the views and perspectives we heard from a variety of interested groups and individuals, including Indigenous peoples, interested Canadians, experts, waste producers and owners, and other levels of government. It ensures Canada continues to meet international standards based on the best available science and provides Canadians with confidence in long-term solutions for all of Canada’s radioactive waste. All radioactive waste in Canada is currently safely managed in accordance with international standards at facilities that are licensed by our independent nuclear regulator – the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).The Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) conducted a Performance Audit of Nuclear Waste Management, which included Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the CNSC and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). The CESD Report was tabled in Parliament in fall 2022, and found that NRCan, AECL, and the CNSC did a good job of managing the low and intermediate level radioactive waste that makes up 99.5% of Canada’s radioactive waste output.AECL is a federal Crown corporation that works to advance Canada’s interests through nuclear science and technology, and environmental protection initiatives. A key element of AECL’s mandate is to address the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities, the majority of which are located at the Chalk River Laboratories. AECL’s objective is to safely and responsibly address these environmental responsibilities and liabilities which have resulted from legacy activities at AECL sites. These legacy liabilities are the result of decades of significant contributions and advancements in nuclear science which have benefitted Canadians and the world, including the development of the CANDU technology and the production of medical isotopes used in the diagnostic and treatment of cancer and other diseases. AECL is focused on the decontamination and decommissioning of redundant structures and buildings, the remediation of contaminated lands, and the management and disposal of radioactive waste at AECL sites. Since 2015, AECL has been delivering its mandate through a government-owned, contractor-operated (GoCo) model, whereby a private-sector organization, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), operates AECL’s sites. AECL has asked CNL to propose long-term radioactive waste disposal solutions and to advance other decommissioning activities to reduce its environmental liabilities. One project proposed by CNL to manage AECL’s low-level radioactive waste is the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF).This facility would enable the remediation of contaminated areas, moving low-level radioactive waste from temporary storage areas and existing areas of contaminated soil to an engineered disposal facility that will contain the waste and contamination long enough for it to naturally decay. The facility would be a mound, built at near-surface level, consisting of disposal cells with a base liner and cover, and systems to collect leachate, detect leaks, and monitor the environment.The proposed NSDF project at the Chalk River laboratories is undergoing an environmental assessment (EA) pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The CNSC is the responsible authority and continues its work to thoroughly assess CNL’s proposal.The CNSC will make its environmental assessment and licensing decisions based on Canadian legislation, regulations, policy, and guidance, and will take into account international standards and guidance documents. The CNSC will only allow the project to proceed if it is safe for Canadians and the environment, both in the short- and long-term. In Canada, all decisions in relation to proposed or existing major nuclear projects and activities, including the NSDF proposed by CNL, are made by the Commission, a quasi-judicial tribunal of the CNSC. The Nuclear Safety and Control Act assigns to the Commission the role to regulate the nuclear industry to prevent unreasonable risk to the health and safety of persons and the environment, to ensure protection of national security and the discharge of Canada’s international obligations respecting non-proliferation. The Commission’s evidence-based decisions are made in consideration of all scientific and other relevant information, including Indigenous Knowledge. This information is presented to the Commission by project proponents, CNSC staff, Indigenous Nations and communities and other interested persons and organizations during public proceedings that are open and that welcome and support participation, with opportunities for financial support through the CNSC’s Participant Funding Program. Licensees of major nuclear facilities are also required to develop and implement public information programs, to keep the public informed about their nuclear activities and any potential related impact on public health and the environment. Other federal authorities, including Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, and Natural Resources Canada, as well as the Quebec and Ontario governments, are also participating in and contributing to the environmental assessments based on their expert input and knowledge. The public and Indigenous Nations and communities also have opportunities to participate and input into the process ensuring an open, balanced process that strengthens the quality and credibility of a project’s review. With respect to the NSDF, AECL will continue to work with CNL on regular outreach to the public, local communities, as well as Indigenous communities. The CNSC will render its decisions on the NSDF project following a public hearing. The Commission will not allow nuclear projects, including those for the long-term management of radioactive waste, to proceed unless it determines that human health and the environment are protected, and that Indigenous Knowledge is integrated in its decision-making, both now and in the future.
Environmental assessmentNuclear wasteWaste management
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMay 15, 2023e-4012e-4012 (Justice)PeterMcNicholHon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservativeABMay 20, 2022, at 11:07 a.m. (EDT)July 19, 2022, at 11:07 a.m. (EDT)March 30, 2023May 15, 2023July 19, 2022Petition to the <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Prime Minister</Addressee>Whereas:The Prime Minister’s anti-energy legislation, Bill C-69, has been ruled unconstitutional by Alberta’s highest court;For years the federal government has been violating provincial jurisdiction and sovereignty with Bill C-69; andThe province of Alberta has experienced years of destructive ideologically driven policies which intentionally undermine its industries resulting in mass layoffs, record levels of unemployment, and years of economic recessions.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to respect the ruling of the Alberta Court of Appeal by not seeking further appeals, recognize Bill C-69 as unconstitutional and immediately repeal this legislation.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTFormer Bill C-69, now the Impact Assessment Act (the Act), came into force on August 28, 2019. The Act is designed to protect the environment, ensure sustainable projects can move forward safely, and instill public confidence in how the Government of Canada makes decisions concerning major resources projects.This Act delivered on an important promise that the Government of Canada made to Canadians to reform a flawed process. The Government worked with provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous governments when developing the new legislation to ensure their views were considered and jurisdictional responsibilities were respected while working towards a common goal – meeting the needs of Canadians and preserving their livelihood for years to come.On January 17, 2020, the Attorney General of Alberta submitted a reference question to the Alberta Court of Appeal asking it to opine on the constitutionality of the Act and the Physical Activities Regulations (Project List). On May 10, 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal issued its opinion that both the Act and the Project List intrude on provincial jurisdiction. The opinion of the Alberta Court of Appeal is advisory in nature and as such, the Act and its regulations remain in force.The Government of Canada is confident that the Act and the Project List are constitutional, which is why the Alberta Court of Appeal’s opinion was appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada on June 8, 2022. The Supreme Court of Canada heard arguments on March 21–22, 2023 and reserved its opinion, meaning it will be issued at a later date. The Government looks forward to reviewing the opinion in due course and will consider it carefully. In the meantime, the Government is committed to continuing to work with provinces, Indigenous partners and stakeholders on effective and efficient implementation of the Act and the Project List.           
Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other ActsAlbertaConstitutionalityEnvironmental assessmentFederal-provincial-territorial relations
44th Parliament223Government response tabledApril 20, 2023441-01169441-01169 (Environment)PamDamoffOakville North—BurlingtonLiberalONMarch 7, 2023April 20, 2023February 6, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas the proposed route and construction of Highway 413:
  • Will add approximately 17 million tonnes of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere from additional vehicle emissions by 2050;
  • Will eliminate 2,000 acres of prime farmland, 400 acres of Greenbelt and 220 wetlands;
  • Will make it impossible for Ontario to fulfill its share of Canada's reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as promised under the Paris Climate Accords;
  • Will add $1.4 billion worth of human and environmental damage and will negatively impact the health of people;
  • Will bisect four areas of headwaters of watersheds within the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations Territories and cut across areas of cultural importance;
  • Will negatively affect a minimum of 29 species listed under the federal Species at Risk Act is opposed by all the municipalities through whose boundaries it would cross;
  • Is opposed by residents of the GTHA as shown by the participation of 1,000 people demonstrating against the 413 at the Harvest Ontario Walk on October 1st, 2022; and
  • Has raised concerns from GTHA residents as shown by the 1,000 names collected within five weeks on a petition which asks for an "Assessment by Review Panel" of the 413 project.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to require an Impact Assessment led by a Review Panel of the 413 project under the Impact Assessment Act.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Act (the IAA) and its regulations establish the legal framework for federal impact assessments. On May 3, 2021, the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that the Highway 413 Project (the Project) warranted designation under the IAA. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) awaits the submission of an Initial Project Description from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (the Proponent). Once the Agency determines that the Initial Project Description conforms with the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations (the Regulations), the impact assessment process will begin with the 180-day Planning Phase.During the Planning Phase, Indigenous groups, the public, other jurisdictions, federal authorities, and other participants will have opportunities to provide input and identify key issues of concerns about the Project. The Agency provides key issues identified during the public comment period on the Initial Project Description to the Proponent as a Summary of Issues. The Proponent must then provide a response to the Summary of Issues that explains how it intends to address the issues raised, and a Detailed Project Description to the Agency. Following receipt of a Detailed Project Description that conforms to the Regulations, the Agency will determine whether an impact assessment is required for the Project. The Agency’s determination, including the reasons for the decision, will be posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry).If an impact assessment is required, the Agency continues to engage with Indigenous groups, the public, other jurisdictions, and federal authorities to develop the Public Participation Plan, the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, the Cooperation Plan, the Permitting Plan, and the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, which includes the scope of the factors that are considered as part of the impact assessment. The Agency must then issue the final Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans to the Proponent, and post a Notice of Commencement of the Impact Assessment on the Registry before the end of the 180-day Planning Phase.Within 45 days from the posting of the Notice of Commencement on the Registry, the Minister may refer the impact assessment to a Review Panel, if he is of the opinion it is in the public interest to do so. The Minister considers the following factors in the determination: the extent to which effects in areas of federal jurisdiction or direct or incidental effects may be adverse; public concerns related to those effects; opportunities for cooperation with other jurisdictions; and any adverse impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples. If the Minister refers the impact assessment to a Review Panel, the Agency posts a notice of the Minister's decision, including the Minister's reasons for referring the assessment to a Review Panel, on the Registry.
Environmental assessmentHighway 413Ontario
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 24, 2022e-3766e-3766 (Environment)MargaretProphetLeahTaylor RoyAurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond HillLiberalONJanuary 7, 2022, at 9:17 a.m. (EDT)February 6, 2022, at 9:17 a.m. (EDT)February 8, 2022March 24, 2022February 7, 2022Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Bradford Bypass is a 16.2 km, 4 lane highway proposed to connect the 400 and the 404 through the Holland Marsh - Lake Simcoe’s headwaters and a provincially significant wetland in the Greenbelt;The highway will remove significant ecosystems including 9.5 hectares of wetland, 39 hectares of wildlife habitat and 22.1 hectares of high quality woodlands;There are 11 species at risk along the route and recent Ontario regulations weaken the protections for some species along the route (O. Reg. 830/21);Ontario Regulation 697/21 exempts this project from the Environmental Assessment Act and therefore no further study will be done on the impacts to and mediation measures for species at risk, Lake Simcoe, climate and public health;The highway’s EA is from 1997 and predates key provincial acts like Lake Simcoe Protection Act, Greenbelt Act, Clean Water Act and doesn’t consider climate change;The highway will destroy one of Canada's most significant historical sites, the Lower Landing;The highway's EA studies demonstrated elevated levels of benzene and groundwater contamination which impacts drinking water;The highway’s estimated GHG emissions are 84 million kilograms of carbon per year;7 municipalities and 18,000 people have asked for impact assessments for this highway; andThe Government of Canada recently passed the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act and made global commitments to reduce GHG emissions.We, the undersigned, residents of the Province of Ontario, call upon the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to designate the Bradford Bypass project for a full federal impact assessment through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Act (IAA) and its regulations establish the legal framework for federal impact assessments. Under subsection 9(1) of the IAA, the Minister has the authority to designate a project that is not listed in the Physical Activities Regulations if, in his opinion, either the carrying out of the project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct or incidental effects, or public concerns related to those effects warrant the designation.In May 2021, the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change responded, with reasons, to a request to designate the Bradford Bypass Project (the Project), proposed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (the Proponent), and determined that designation was unwarranted. His response was based on information provided by the province and Indigenous groups; the scientific advice provided by federal expert departments; and the federal, provincial, and municipal regulatory mechanisms in place to manage potential adverse environmental effects in areas of federal jurisdiction as defined in the IAA.The Minister’s authority to designate a project is typically exercised under exceptional circumstances where the project has the potential to cause adverse effects in areas of federal jurisdiction and where there are no other regulatory oversight mechanisms to address these effects.Since November 2021, the Minister and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada received multiple correspondence, including this petition, asking the Minister to reconsider whether the Project warrants designation under the IAA.Since there has been no material changes to the Project, there is no basis to revisit the former Minister’s determination. 
Bradford BypassEnvironmental assessmentYork—Simcoe