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ARTICLE · 04 JANUARY 2019

A Closer Look: BC Government Releases Draft Legislation For Revitalized Provincial Environment Assessment Process

McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
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In March 2018, the BC government launched the process for revitalizing the province's environmental assessment (EA) process.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Mining Prospects
Mining Prospects
Selina Lee-Andersen
Selina Lee-Andersen
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In March 2018, the BC government launched the process for revitalizing the province's environmental assessment (EA) process. More background information is available in our earlier blog. Following the release of the Discussion Paper in June 2018 and public consultations over the summer, the BC government introduced Bill 51 – 2018 Environmental Assessment Act in November 2018. which is designed to replace the current provincial Environmental Assessment Act. An overview of the changes proposed in Bill 51 is set out in the BC government's Intentions Paper. If passed, Bill 51 will introduce significant changes to the provincial EA process including the creation of an early engagement process, increased opportunities for public participation, and prescriptive measures to meet the BC government's commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

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