Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about finding information on the Registry Internet site. For more information about the purpose, establishment and maintenance of the Registry, consult the Learn more about the Registry section.

What does the Registry Internet site contain?

The Registry Internet site contains information about projects subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, as well as environmental assessments that started under the former Act and continue under the transition provisions of Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

How do I find projects on the Registry Internet site?

The Registry home page offers a number of options to help you find information about projects subject to the federal environmental assessment process. You can:

  • search using keywords to locate projects;
  • conduct advanced searches using additional criteria;
  • find a list of current public participation opportunities;
  • use an interactive map to view where projects are proposed in Canada; and
  • browse a list of projects by province or territory, assessment type, and status.

For additional guidance on how to search the Registry Internet site, consult our Search Tips.

What records are publicly available through the Registry Internet site?

Each project’s home page contains key information about the project and the status of the environmental assessment process, including key documents, such as:

  • notices inviting public input;
  • description of factors considered in the environmental assessment and scope of those factors;
  • documents prepared for public review and comment;
  • final environmental assessment report taken into consideration for making the environmental assessment decision;
  • environmental assessment decision statement; and
  • any other documents considered appropriate, including a list of documents available.

Additional information or records may be available according to the type of environmental assessment. Copies of any additional records may also be obtained upon request. To request a copy of records, contact the department or organization that is identified on the project’s home page.

How can I search for records on the Registry Internet site?

The project home page provides access to records related to a particular project. You can access documents by browsing by category, searching for a particular record or generate a list of all records available.

Is there a cost to obtain a copy of records?

No, access to records maintained in the Project File are available free of charge.

Can I obtain a record in an alternate format?

Records posted on the Registry Internet site are routinely posted in HTML or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If a record is not available in HTML format, links to download the required software are provided. For more information or to obtain alternate formats, contact the Agency at info@ceaa-acee.gc.ca.

Are records available in both official languages?

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency respects the Official Languages Act and is committed to ensuring all information and services on this site are available in both English and French. However, users should be aware that some information from external sources that are not subject to the Official Languages Act is only made available as a convenience in the language in which it was provided.

Where can I find information about environmental assessments undertaken under the former Act?

Key information about environmental assessments that were completed or terminated under the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is accessible via the Canadian Environmental Assessment Archives. The Archives also contain information about environmental assessments for which a follow-up program may be underway.

Prior to October 30, 2003, the former Act did not require the maintenance of an online registry. If you wish to obtain any information regarding these assessments, contact the department or organization that may have had a responsibility to conduct the environmental assessment of the project.

Can I obtain a copy of a record once the environmental assessment is completed?

Requests to access records related to completed environmental assessments should be directed to the department or organization that is identified on the project’s home page on the Registry Internet site.

Please note that contact information related to archived environmental assessments is not maintained. However, members of the public are encouraged to contact the department or organization responsible for conducting the environmental assessment.

I can’t find what I’m looking for. Who do I contact for assistance?

For additional information and help on how to search the Registry Internet site, consult our Search Tips.

Should you require assistance or have questions about federal environmental assessments, please consult the Agency’s web site for general contact information.