Purpose

R&D Main Page | Purpose | Program Design

The Agency has the legislated authority to promote and conduct research in environmental assessment (EA). Pursuant to this, the Agency established a R&D Program in 2000. The Program is designed to help the federal government meet future challenges and improve the practice of environmental assessment in a manner which is relevant, credible, efficient, and encourages innovation and excellence.

R&D in EA is needed to:

• ensure continuous improvement in EA practice as a tool for sustainable development
• identify new approaches to dealing with existing issues
• prepare for the future by identifying challenges and solutions
• build EA capacity in Canada
• build partnerships with other organizations

The key roles of the Program are:

• improve the practice of EA
• address emerging issues
• meet the needs of practitioners