Cross-sectoral input for the potential role of science in Canada’s environmental assessment

FACETS

Adam T. Ford¹  Emily J. Sunter¹  Danielle Gauthier¹  Caroline H. Fox²  Jonathan W. Moore³  Aerin L. Jacob⁴  Alana R. Westwood⁵ 

[1] Department of Biology, University of British Columbia—Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.;Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.;Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.;Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, 200-1350 Railway Avenue, Canmore, AB T1W 1P6, Canada.Liber Ero Fellowship Program, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 141-2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.;Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, 200-1350 Railway Avenue, Canmore, AB T1W 1P6, Canada.;

关键词: public consultation;    environmental law;    environmental science;    impact assessment;    scientific integrity;   

DOI  :  10.1139/facets-2017-0104

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Since being elected in 2015, Canada’s federal Liberal government has taken steps to overhaul major environment-related laws and policies, including federal environmental assessment (EA) and regulatory processes. During 2016–2017, a government-appointed panel toured Canada and received >1000 suggestions from diverse sectors of society regarding EA reform. Yet, different sectors of society may have different views concerning scientific components of EA. We analyzed written submissions during public consultation (categorized into five sectors) regarding five key scientific components of EA: (1) openly sharing information, (2) evaluating cumulative effects, (3) scientific rigour, (4) transparency in decision-making, and (5) independence between regulators and proponents. On the whole, submissions from Indigenous groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals/academics supported strengthening all five components. In contrast, most contributions from industry/industry associations, and, to a lesser extent, government bodies or agencies, suggested that there was no need for increased scientific rigour or increased independence. These findings indicate that there is cross-sectoral support for strengthening some scientific aspects of EA. However, the degree to which the Government of Canada strengthens the scientific rigour and independence of EA will indicate whether environmental decision-making in Canada is aligned with preferences from industry or the rest of Canada.

【 授权许可】

Unknown