OTTAWA — The federal government is offering financial support to assist the public and Indigenous communities interested in participating in its regional impact assessment of the Ring of Fire.
Environment and Climate Change Canada announced in February 2020 that it had ordered a regional assessment at the request of Aroland First Nation, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, and Osgoode Hall Law School's environmental justice and sustainability clinic.
At the time, minister Jonathan Wilkinson said development of the mineral resources in the Ring of Fire could adversely affect the rights of Indigenous people, climate, fish and fish habitat, migratory bird populations and wildlife considered at risk.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) will oversee the review.
Groups wishing to take part is can apply for funding to help them provide input related to the planning of the assessment, reviewing and providing comments on the terms of reference and potential draft agreement for the Regional Assessment Committee, and participating in early engagement activities of the Committee.
Additional participant funding will be offered at a later date to support recipients in activities throughout the conduct of the assessment.
Funding applications may be made until Dec. 14 by filling out a form on the agency's website.
The IAAC will accept input on the planning for the assessment until Jan. 21, 2021.
The Agency will host virtual information sessions to provide background information on the assessment and to help participants understand how to provide information that will contribute to the design of the process and development of the terms of reference for the assessment.
Interested participants can stream the presentation on MS Live at the following links:
Nov. 24, 2 p.m. (EST): First Virtual Session — Click here.
Nov. 24, 7 p.m. (EST): Second Virtual Session — Click here.
Nov. 26, 2 p.m. (EST): Third Virtual Session — Click here.
Nov. 26, 7 p.m. (EST): Last Virtual Session — Click here.
