ENVIRONMENT: MAC welcomes new federal review panel

OTTAWA – The government of Canada is hoping to deliver on its commitment to restore confidence in this country’s environmental process by appointing a new panel will engage with all Canadians, including indigenous groups, the public and a wide range of stakeholders. The panel will be chaired by Johanne Gelinas and include Doug Horswill, Rod Northey and Renee Pelletier. [caption id="attachment_1003715177" align="alignright" width="300"] Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, meets with members of the expert panel who will be reviewing environmental assessment processes.[/caption] "We are impressed by the depth and breadth of expertise amongst the individuals appointed to the expert panel. Several individuals also have good knowledge of the mining industry, which is appropriate given that the mining sector currently makes up the largest number of environmental assessments conducted by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency," stated Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC). "It's clear that the government considered the comments submitted and we are encouraged to see that the final terms of reference reflect the improvements suggested by MAC and others,” he added. “We are supportive of the government's review and we believe that the improvements announced today will help ensure it is conducted in a meaningful way.” The expert panel will conduct consultations across Canada beginning in September 2016. The terms of reference can be viewed at www.Canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/assessments/environmental-reviews/environmental-assessment-processes/final-terms-reference-ea.html.