Canadian Impact Assessment Registry: Frequently asked questions

• How do I find projects on the Registry?
• What records are publicly available through the Registry?
• How can I search for records on the Registry Internet site?
• Can I obtain a record in an alternate format?
• Are records available in both official languages?
• Where can I find information about historical environmental assessments?
• Can I obtain a copy of a record once the assessment is completed?
• How do I submit a comment?
• Why do I need to log in with my social media?
• What is done with my online comment?
• Who do I contact for assistance?

How do I find projects on the Registry?

The Registry home page offers a number of options to help you find information about assessments subject to a federal review. You can:

• search using keywords to locate assessments
• browse a list of active assessments
• use an interactive map to view where assessments are underway
• find a list of current opportunities where you can get involved

From the Search results page you can use a number of filters to narrow your search, such as by province or territory, nature of project and status.

What records are publicly available through the Registry?

Each assessment page contains key information about a particular assessment and its status, including key documents. Typical documents in the context of an impact assessment by the Agency include:

• notices inviting public input
• proponent’s project description
• guidelines and plans to inform the conduct of the impact assessment
• documents prepared for public review and comment
• scientific information submitted to the Agency
• final impact assessment report taken into consideration for making the impact assessment decision
• decision statement issued to the proponent
• results of the follow-up program
• public comments received during the impact assessment

How can I search for records on the Registry?

Key documents are accessible directly from the assessment page and additional documents can be found by selecting “List all documents”.

A number of document categories search filters are also provided to enable users to find what they are looking for. Documents are categorized to assist with finding relevant records.

• For public participation: This category contains all documents related to opportunities for public participation. It includes notices requesting public input and documents prepared for public review and input.
• News releases: This category contains all news releases that have been issued in relation to the assessment.
• Comments received/responses: This category contains comments received by the public or other stakeholders in relation to the project or the assessment and, when applicable, responses to comments received.
• Hearing documents: This category contains all documents related to the public hearing process.
• Panel records: This category contains all documents produced by the review panel or its secretariat, except those produced during the public hearing.
• Additional information: This category contains all other records related to the project or the assessment that are made available online.

Can I obtain a record in an alternate format?

Records posted on the Registry are routinely posted in web accessible format(such as HTML) or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If a record is not available in HTML format, links to download the required software are provided. For more information or to obtain alternate formats, contact the Agency at ceaa.information.acee@canada.ca.

Are records available in both official languages?

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada respects the Official Languages Act and is committed to ensuring all information and services on the Registry are available in both English and French. However, users should be aware that some information from external sources(such as public comments) are not subject to the Official Languages Act and are made available in the language in which it was provided.

Where can I find information about historical environmental assessments?

Key information about environmental assessments that were completed or terminated under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 1992 (CEAA 1992) is accessible via the Canadian Environmental Assessment Archives. The Archives also contain information about environmental assessments for which a follow - up program may be underway.

CEAA 1992 did not require the maintenance of an online registry prior to October 30, 2003. If you wish to obtain any information regarding these assessments, contact the department or organization that may have had a responsibility to conduct the environmental assessment of the project.

Can I obtain a copy of a record once the assessment is completed?

Requests to access records related to completed assessments should be directed to the department or organization that is identified on the relevant assessment page on the Registry.

How do I submit a comment?

Comments can be submitted via the Registry’s online commenting tool. In order to submit an online comment, users will need to authenticate their identity using one of the approved social media platforms indicated on the login page, such as Twitter, Facebook, Google or Microsoft.

Individuals and organizations are both welcome to submit comments through the online tool. Any user wishing to comment on behalf of an organization should authenticate with that organization’s existing social media account.

To submit a comment, users should log in to the Registry and navigate to the assessment page of interest. The commenting tool can be accessed by clicking “Submit a comment” or “View comments” on the assessment page.

Not all projects on the Registry will have the commenting tool enabled. If the commenting tool is not enabled, participants should refer to the contact information listed on the assessment page.

Why do I need to log in with my social media?

A user’s name and email address associated with the social media platform of their choosing will be used to authenticate their identity. The individual or organization’s name will accompany any submission made and will be posted online. By using a valid social media account, users are bound by the terms of service of that social media platform, and its related policies and rules.

If a participant does not wish to authenticate their identity via a third-party social media platform, they may still submit comments and information via other means. Participants should refer to the contact information listed on the relevant assessment page.

What is done with my online comment?

In order to support more timely access to information and to encourage meaningful participation, information submitted via the Registry is made public in real-time. The responsible federal authority for the assessment you participated in will consider all comments received.

Who do I contact for assistance?

Should you require assistance or have questions about federal impact assessments, please consult the Agency’s website for general contact information.