a. Innovative and Changing Approaches
⏱ 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Research & Innovation in Impact Assessment

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will focus on the theme of innovative approaches and quick wins by highlighting recent research completed under the Agency’s research program. The session will build awareness of the program, highlight recent partnerships, and share innovative approaches in impact assessment methodology such as tools and resources for supporting high quality and inclusive assessments. An interactive workshop will follow the presentation to engage participants on themes and priorities for future research priorities.

Moderator:

• Blair Shoniker, Senior Waste & Environmental Planner, GHD

Presenters:

• Michael Grassie, Manager, Science & Research Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
• Jenna Wolno, Operational Policy Officer, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

????️ LUNCH
⏱ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

b. Deregulation
⏱ 1:00 pm – 1:20 pm

Case Study in Highway Exemptions – Do They Meet the Goals of IA?

Re case study in attempted deregulation of 2 highways in Ontario – Highway 413 and Bradford Bypass. Avoiding delays and moving towards certainty is not the goal of IA. The goal of IA is to move towards more sustainable solutions to problems facing society and to advance reconciliation with First Nations (FNs). Exemptions undermine the foundations of IA and cause the very delays and uncertainty that proponents are trying to avoid. Exemptions also undermine meaningful consultation with the public and FNs – which will inevitably cause delay.

Moderator:

• Blair Shoniker, Senior Waste & Environmental Planner, GHD

Presenter:

• Laura Bowman, Senior Staff Lawyer, Ecojustice Canada

c. Advancing Biodiversity Considerations Through Impacts Assessment
⏱ 1:20 pm – 1:45 pm

Principles and Guidance for Assessing and Safeguarding Biodiversity Through Project Assessment Under the Impact Assessment Act

The Impact Assessment Act requires assessments to consider the extent to which projects help or hinder Canada’s ability to meet its environmental obligations, including the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework ratified by parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022.

Presenters will explore how assessments can better assess biodiversity effects and help us meet our biodiversity obligations. They will discuss the relevant Canadian legal and policy landscape, identifies gaps and challenges in assessing biodiversity effects in impact assessment, outlines key principles for assessing biodiversity effects, and recommends ways to incorporate those principles in project-level assessment.

Moderator:

• Blair Shoniker, Senior Waste & Environmental Planner, GHD

Presenter:

• Anna S A Johnston, Staff Lawyer, West Coast Environmental Law
• Justina Ray, President and Senior Scientist, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

d. Advancing Sustainable Development of Natural Resources Through Applied Research
⏱ 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm

NRCan’s Selecting Terrestrial Areas Initiative: Prioritizing Study Areas to Conduct Cumulative Effects (CE) Research to Support the Potential Need for Science, Technical Advice, and Knowledge in Resource Development Projects

Accounting for CE of natural resource projects is an important part of impact assessments. With the anticipated future development of numerous critical minerals, renewable energy, and sustainable forestry projects, many of which will overlap geographically with current and past development, there is a need to advance research to better understand and manage CE. NRCan is currently undertaking an initiative to help guide its researchers on potential study areas and to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. In this presentation, we highlight our work to date and seek feedback from members of the IA community.

Moderator:

• Blair Shoniker, Senior Waste & Environmental Planner, GHD

Presenters:

• Christina Clarke, Team Lead, Natural Resources Canada
• Brian G. Eddy, Research Scientist, Ecosystems Analyst, Natural Resources Canada
• Alison Milan, Policy Analyst, Natural Resources Canada

Q&A with Michael, Jenna, Laura, Anna, Christina, Brian & Alison
⏱ 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm