Re: “B.C. environmental assessment process flawed, says expert” (Aug. 20).
I must clarify several points in this article. While I can say that the B.C. environmental assessment (EA) process can be improved, I did not say that it is flawed. It is fair to say that the process as it is may not meet the needs and expectations of First Nations, which is why many will conduct their own assessments or reviews of development applications on their traditional territories. The approach taken by the Squamish Nation reflects this new reality.
The process in B.C. has evolved in recent years in response to process reviews and critique from the B.C. auditor general. While advances in consultation opportunities have been made, there is room for improvement to ensure participation is easy, more accessible and clearly shapes the final decision. What we can also do better is apply EA to a broader range of projects and activities that impact our province, ensure that the province assesses all significant projects rather than relying on other jurisdictions, and expand our understanding of cumulative impacts. On the latter point, the province is advancing promising new initiatives.
My comment on the frequency of ‘yes’ results from our assessment processes is not necessarily at odds with the Ministry of Environment’s response. Environmental assessments in Canada rarely say ‘no,’ and when they do it is usually for good reason. In part this is a product of streamlining, better project applications and earlier feedback to discourage the advance of poorly conceived projects. It is indeed a fairly predictable process. The objective of EA is not to stop development: It is to make it better, to ensure that decision-makers have good information and if we do choose to move forward that we do so with good knowledge of the impacts.
Finally, I must be clear that what is in the best interests of First Nations can only be decided by First Nations. Environmental assessment is a tool that can help in such deliberations, but it provides only information and evaluation. The decision on how to proceed in the best interests of a Nation is ultimately theirs.
Kevin Hanna
Director, UBC Centre for Environmental Assessment Research
Kelowna
