Effectiveness Of Strategic Environmental Assessment In Canada Under Directive-Based And Informal Practice

Authors

Bram Noble, University of Saskatchewan
Robert B. Gibson, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo
Lisa White, University of Alberta
Jill Blakley, University of Saskatchewan
Peter Croal
Kelechi Nwanekezie, University of Saskatchewan
Meinhard Doelle, Dalhousie University, Schulich School of LawFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Keywords

Effectiveness, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Strategic Thinking, Canadian Cabinet Directive, Tiering, Law and Policy, Planning Law

Abstract

This article explores the diversity of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) practice in Canada and lessons for improving the effectiveness of SEA. There are multiple dimensions to effectiveness, but core to SEA effectiveness is its strategic nature. SEA under the Canadian federal Cabinet directive is approached largely as an impact assessment tool, and effectiveness evaluated based on compliance. Practice is entrenched in project-based assessment principles, but with no mandatory provision for public engagement, which limits the potential effectiveness of SEA. External to the Cabinet directive, across Canada’s provinces and territories, SEA and SEA-like practices are occurring in diverse forms and represent the more advanced and exemplary cases. A common challenge to SEA effectiveness, however, is that applications are often limited by their ad hoc nature and disconnected from any larger and formal system of participatory and integrated policy, planning and development decision making.

Comments

https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2019.1565708

Recommended Citation

Bram Noble et al, "Effectiveness Of Strategic Environmental Assessment In Canada Under Directive-Based And Informal Practice" (2019) 37:3-4 Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal 344.