Canada - Saskatchewan Sign Renewed Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation

Ottawa - May 30, 2005 - The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment for Canada, and the Honourable David Forbes, Minister of Saskatchewan Environment, today announced the signing of the renewed Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation.

Under the bilateral agreement, projects that require a review under both federal and provincial environmental assessment legislation will undergo a single, cooperative assessment, meeting the legal requirements of both governments while maintaining their respective existing roles and responsibilities.

"The renewal of this agreement with Saskatchewan continues to ensure a more effective and efficient cooperative environmental assessment process," said Minister Dion. "It demonstrates the willingness of both governments to work together to achieve a collaborative approach to environmental protection for Canadians."

"The renewed agreement builds on the success of the previous agreement," said Minister Forbes. "It captures the design and intent of a green and prosperous economy for the people of Saskatchewan."

The agreement provides the framework for federal-provincial cooperation for the environmental assessment of proposed projects subject to both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Saskatchewan’s Environmental Assessment Act.

Projects that are subject to both federal and provincial environmental assessment legislation include municipal and provincial projects that require federal environmental approvals, permits, licences, or involve federal funding, such as infrastructure projects.

This renewed bilateral agreement will replace the 1999 agreement between Saskatchewan and Canada that expired in November 2004. The draft renewed agreement was subject to a 30-day public consultation from January 29 to February 28, 2005. Comments received from the public were considered in the preparation of the final text.

The agreement is available on the Web site of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency or from Saskatchewan Environment at www.se.gov.sk.ca. A backgrounder along with questions and answers are also available.

Printed copies of the agreement can be obtained from the following:

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Prairie Region Office
Tel.: (204) 983-5127

Saskatchewan Environment
Tel.: (306)787-2255 in Regina or
1-800-567-4224 (toll free)

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For more information, media may contact:

Lucille Jamault
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
(613) 957-0434

Everett Dorma
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-6127