The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is a federal body accountable to the Minister of the Environment. 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 Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the National Energy Board (NEB) are the authorities responsible for federal EAs of projects they regulate.

WHAT we do:

The Agency, through its delivery of EAs, serves Canadians by helping to eliminate or reduce a project's potential environmental effects. The Agency:

• manages the environmental assessment process for projects that may require an EA and do not fall under the mandate of the CNSC or the NEB;
• provides opportunities and funding to support public participation in EAs;
• serves as the coordinator for consultation with Aboriginal groups during the EA for projects it manages;
• works to ensure that mitigation measures are applied and are working as intended;
• promotes uniformity and coordination of EA practices across Canada through research, guidance and ongoing discussion with stakeholders and partners; and
• works with a range of international jurisdictions and organizations to exchange best practices in EA.

HOW we work:

Through our headquarters in the national capital region and six regional offices, we work with other federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories, Aboriginal groups, environmental organizations, industry and others to deliver high-quality EAs.

WHEN it began:

Established in 1994, the Agency came into being to prepare for the implementation of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, which came into effect in early 1995.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into effect on July 6, 2012.