Funding available to support Indigenous participation in the development of policy and guidance on the proposed new impact assessment system

Press Releases

From: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Public notice

December 5, 2018 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is making funding available to assist the participation of Indigenous peoples in future consultation and engagement activities on the development of policies and guidance related to the proposed new impact assessment system.

Improvements proposed in the new impact assessment system for Indigenous peoples include:

• Respect for Indigenous rights, including mandatory consideration of impacts on rights and Indigenous culture
• Indigenous engagement and partnership early and throughout the process
• Mandatory consideration of Indigenous knowledge
• Provisions for arrangements with Indigenous groups to exercise powers and duties under the legislation
• Aiming to secure free, prior and informed consent through processes based on mutual respect and dialogue

As part of the preparation for the potential implementation of the proposed new impact assessment system, the Agency is undertaking steps to develop a range of policies and guidance.

The Agency will work with the newly established Indigenous Advisory Committee to develop approaches for ongoing policy engagement that builds on the input and recommendations received throughout the review of environmental and regulatory processes.

Who can apply?

All Indigenous organizations, groups and communities are eligible, including:

• an Indigenous group or a collective coordinating more than one Indigenous group; and,
• an incorporated or registered Indigenous non-profit organization, such as a band council, association, co-operative or institution.

Eligible activities

The nature and type of activities that are considered eligible include:

• Preparation for and/or participation in meetings of Indigenous community, group or organization members, including network activities by conference call and outreach activities, with the aim to gather views, enhance knowledge and strengthen awareness of Indigenous groups, or contribute to one or more components of policy development for the implementation of the proposed legislation;
• Preparation of written submissions, and/or supporting studies, that represent the views of Indigenous organizations, groups, or communities relevant to one or more components of policy development for the implementation of the proposed legislation; and,
• Review of documents in support of contributing to one or more components of the policy development for the implementation of the proposed legislation.

How funding will be allocated

Funding decisions will be based on assessment criteria as indicated in the National Funding Guidelines for the Development of Policy and Guidance on the Proposed new Impact Assessment System. The amount of funding available per successful applicant will depend on the activities proposed and the number of groups and/or people participating. Note: Even if all criteria are met for a given component, funding is not guaranteed.

Funding levels

Funding is available as per the following:

How to apply?

For more details on who is eligible, how to apply, what expenses may be funded and how the funding program works, consult the National Funding Guidelines for the Development of Policy and Guidance on the Proposed new Impact Assessment System.

To apply, fill out this application form. Submit your completed application and supporting documents to CEAA.FP-PAF.ACEE@canada.ca

Deadlines

Applications received by January 14, 2019 will be considered. Recipients and the amount of funding allocated will be announced at a later date.

Contact

If you have questions about this funding availability opportunity, please email CEAA.FP-PAF.ACEE@canada.ca.

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