About the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry (the Registry) was established in October 2003 pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the Act).

The Registry aims to help the public find information and records related to environmental assessments (EA) conducted under the Act. It also provides timely notice about the start of an EA and opportunities for public participation.

What is the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry?
How can I search for information in the Registry Internet site?
What information does the Registry contain?
Where else can I find information?

What is the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry?

The Registry consists of two components; which complement each other:

• The project file is a file maintained by a responsible authority or the Agency from the start of an EA under the Act until the completion of any follow-up program or, for environmental assessments that do not include a follow-up program, until the responsible authority has made its environmental assessment decision.
  
  The project file includes all records publicly available that have been produced, collected or submitted with respect to the EA of the project.
  
  
• The Internet site is a government-wide mechanism administered by the Agency to facilitate public access to key records related to EAs conducted under the Act. A responsible authority or the Agency contributes specific records to the Internet site, including contact information to obtain copies of any of the documents listed.

How can I find information on the Registry Internet site?

The Registry Internet site contains search tools to help you find information on environmental assessments undertaken since October 30, 2003.

You can:

• search using key words to easily locate projects
• conduct advanced searches using specific criteria, such as the province or assessment type
• find a quick list of all public participation notices
• search for projects undertaken by Crown Corporations that provide commercial loans
• view an interactive map to see where environmental assessments are occurring in Canada

The Registry Internet site also includes quick links to access a list of all review panels, comprehensive studies and class screenings undertaken under the Act.

What information does the Registry contain?

The Registry internet site contains key information on a particular assessment based on the type of EA and the particular circumstances.

The Internet site contains the following for all EAs:

• Notice of commencement
• Summary description of the project including the scope of the project
• Notices to request public input (if applicable)
• Description of factors and scope of those factors, or how to obtain a copy (if applicable)
• EA report, or how to obtain a copy
• EA decision and statement of mitigation measures
• Follow-up program decision
• Description summarizing the follow-up program and its results, or how to obtain a copy (if applicable)
• Any other information considered appropriate

The Registry Internet site also contains additional information for comprehensive studies, review panels, mediations and class screenings.

For details on the Registry contents for specific types of EAs, see the Guide to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, Part 2. Registry Contents for Environmental Assessments.

Where else can I find information?

If this is your first visit, you may find the following links useful:
Frequently Asked Questions
Guide to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry.

For additional information on federal environmental assessments, contact the Agency or consult the Agency's home page.