An expert panel says the “one size fits all” approach to environmental assessments and limiting the number of people who can talk at hearings into big projects isn’t working.
The new report by the expert panel reviewing federal environmental assessment processes recommends that time limits to assess major projects should reflect the specific circumstances of each project instead being forced to meet a set time frame.
The four-person panel was set up by Environment Minister Catherine McKenna last August. Its mandate was to look at why environmental assessments in Canada are not working and to suggest changes.
The chair of the panel, Johanne Gélinas, said the panel found few people are stridently against the development of projects, but they want more respect and involvement.
Margo McDiarmid – CBC News – April 05, 2017.