Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

News Release

Federal Government Seeks Public Comment on its Proposal to Add the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act as a trigger for Environmental Assessment

OTTAWA - August 1, 2008 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is seeking public comments on its proposal to add the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act (IBWTA) to the Law List Regulations and the Inclusion List Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the Act). These regulatory changes would introduce IBWTA licenses as 'triggers' for environmental assessment under the Act.

The comments received by September 1, 2008, will be considered when preparing the regulations for final approval by Treasury Board.

Under the IBWTA, a license granted by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is necessary when a project in Canada may alter the level of flow of waters on the United States' side of the border. The new regulation strengthens the Government's oversight of such projects by requiring an environmental assessment before these projects are considered for a license.