Whereas the environmental assessment review and permitting process for major projects does not adequately identify, consider and proactively address the cumulative social, economic, and infrastructure impacts of these projects on communities; And whereas the environmental assessment process defers consideration of community issues to the management planning and permitting stage where the issues that arise are inadequately addressed in a reactive manner during project implementation: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province to ensure that the environmental assessment review process ensures the proactive identification and mitigation of cumulative community impacts in a proactive manner based on an inclusive and collaborative review process with impacted communities.
Ministry of Environment and Parks The Environmental Assessment Office EAO recognizes the importance of proactively identifying and mitigating cumulative community impacts in major project assessments. Environmental assessments must consider environmental, social, economic, health and cultural effects. Local governments play a key role in the environmental assessment process through the Technical Advisory Committee, ensuring community issues are integrated into the assessment as well as assessment reports and mitigation measures. Management plans are an essential tool to allow projects to adapt to future uncertainties and ensure ongoing community involvement throughout the life of a project. During the environmental assessment process, local governments can request to be consulted on the plans. The EAO also emphasizes the importance of legally binding conditions, particularly for concerns like gender and cultural safety plans for worker accommodations, infrastructure strain, and community well-being, that may affect local communities the most. The EAO is committed to continued collaboration with UBCM and local governments to enhance local community involvement in environmental assessments. By identifying potential community impacts early, refining the proposed mitigation measures, and strengthening engagement, the EAO aims to mitigate project effects more effectively while maximizing long-term community benefits.