Strategic Environmental Assessment

Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) encourage government departments and agencies to incorporate environmental considerations into the review process of policies, plans and programs that, if approved, would lead to the development of public policy.

The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (the Directive):

• Sets out clear obligations for federal departments and agencies regarding SEAs;
• Promotes and supports the implementation of sustainable development strategies.

The Directive requires SEAs to consider the environmental impact of proposals, whether positive or negative and to take the necessary steps to reduce adverse effects on the environment.

The Directive provides clear guidance on the implementation of the new guidelines and on the consideration and evaluation of environmental impacts.

A detailed SEA is required if:

• the proposal for a policy, plan or program is submitted to an individual Minister or to Cabinet for approval; and
• implementation of the proposal may produce a significant environmental impact, whether positive or negative.

In certain circumstances, departments and agencies are required to conduct SEAs for proposals that do not meet both the conditions above.

For example, an initiative may be selected for assessment if it will advance a departmental or agency sustainable development goal. An assessment may also be requested when there is strong public concern about possible environmental consequences.

An SEA should consider a number of factors:

• The scope and nature of the likely environmental effects
• The need for mitigation to reduce or eliminate adverse effects
• The likely impact of any adverse environmental effects

SEAs should be considered in equal measure with both economic and social analyses. The depth and scope of the assessment should also be commensurate with the possible environmental impact of the proposal.

Related Links:

• The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Workshop
• Public Statements
• SEA Training at the Agency