Inter-jurisdictional coordination of EA

The EA Office (if determining the review path) will issue a Procedural Order that sets out the procedure for the EA, the methods required, and the information required (i.e., the scope of the project).20. [...] The Act specifies that the Executive Director cannot delegate the scoping assessment to a commission or hearing panel.21 The Procedural Order generally sets the required public participation for the rest of the process. [...] If an activity is considered by the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NCRB) or the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB), the focus of the assessment is also on the public interest.55 The purpose section of the EPEA suggests sustainable development is a key consideration. [...] Following the completion of the EIA Report, the Minister can make one of the following three decisions: (i) to allow a proponent to seek approvals for the activity; (ii) to refer the matter to the Lieutenant Governor in Council; or (iii) to determine that no approval should be issued where the Minister is of the opinion that the activity is not in the public interest.66 (See EA results and governm [...] The Minister may also order an EIA Report, even if the Director has not done so.72 If the EA process follows the NRCB route, the Board has discretion to make inquiries and investigations, prepare studies and reports, hold hearings and other proceedings and do anything else necessary to carry out the purpose of the NRCBA.73.