Evaluation of British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Process

📖 The Scoop

This report summarizes an evaluation conducted to provide an independent & impartial review of the experience to date in implementing British Columbia's environmental assessment process. The evaluation focused on the procedural purposes of the province's Environmental Assessment Act. The primary basis for the evaluation was consultation with stakeholders and participants via questionnaires, workshops, and discussions. The report begins with an review of the legal and policy framework of the environmental assessment process and its implementation to date. Systemic, strategic, and specific issues regarding implementation are then discussed, such as process inflexibility, adequacy of project reviews, First Nations participation, and pre-application preparedness. Finally, recommendations are outlined regarding enhancing the effectiveness of the process, ensuring identification of the full range of issues and effects, ensuring resolution of technical issues, promoting certainty, and encouraging accountability. Appendices include a copy of the survey questionnaire.

Genre: Political Science / Public Policy / Environmental Policy (fancy, right?)