Contribute to improving Nova Scotia’s environmental assessment process

Environmental assessment is a planning and decision-making tool used by governments around the world. It supports sustainable development by allowing consideration of overall project impacts at an early stage.

Large industries and companies complete environmental assessments to identify all potential impacts of their work on the environment, along with approved plans to mitigate those impacts. This process ensures Nova Scotia’s environment is protected while economic opportunities are developed. The government is seeking ideas from all Nova Scotians on how this process can be improved.

There are several ways you can share your views:

• through the consultation website: https://novascotia.ca/environmental-assessment-engagement
• email: EAmodernization@novascotia.ca
• phone: 902-424-0991
• a do-it-yourself workshop kit; details on are on the consultation website.

The last major update to Nova Scotia’s environmental assessment regulations was over 15 years ago (in 2008). The world has changed in the last 15 years, and it continues to change quickly. This is why, as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, the provincial government has committed to modernizing environmental assessment in the Province, by 2024, taking into consideration:

• cumulative impacts
• diversity, equity and inclusion
• independent review
• netukulimk
• climate change

Public engagement runs until October 6, 2023.

For more information, visit  https://novascotia.ca/environmental-assessment-engagement.