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WHEREAS the Government of Canada is committed to improving the federal Environmental Assessment (EA) and Regulatory Review processes for major resource projects as a means of enabling a more effective examination and mitigation of environmental impacts, while protecting the health and safety of Canadians and promoting innovation and competitiveness within the Canadian resource industry sectors;
AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada is committed to undertaking a process of early, effective and meaningful Engagement and Consultation with Canada's Aboriginal peoples concerning contemplated Crown conduct with respect to, among other things, major resource projects that may have adverse impacts on established or potential Aboriginal and treaty rights under s.35 of the Constitution Act 1982;
AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada has created the Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) for the purpose of overseeing and tracking the federal review and Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation for major resource projects;
AND WHEREAS Bruce Power (the Proponent) has submitted a Project Description in support of its proposal to develop a new nuclear power plant at Kincardine, Ontario (the Project);
AND WHEREAS the Minister of the Environment (the Minister) has appointed a Joint Review Panel (JRP) to conduct an EA of the Project;
AND WHEREAS the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal;
NOW THEREFORE the signatories to this Project Agreement (Agreement) commit to work together to facilitate an accountable, transparent, timely and predictable federal review in relation to the Project and to contribute to the discharging of any duty to consult.
This Agreement describes the main activities of the federal regulatory process in relation to the Project, including EA, Regulatory Review, and Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation. The Project is the preparation of a site for, and the construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of, up to four new nuclear power reactors on the existing Bruce Nuclear Site within the Municipality of Kincardine, Ontario. The scope of the project for the federal review process is as described in the Joint Review Panel Agreement (JRPA).
The signatories to this Agreement (the Parties) wish to facilitate an accountable, transparent, timely and predictable federal review process within which each Party exercises its respective responsibilities over the regulatory process, without fettering the statutory authorities or discretionary powers and functions of regulatory bodies or of their respective Ministers.
The Agreement and the attached Annexes set out the roles and responsibilities for the Parties. It also establishes service standards for each milestone of the federal review as the basis for tracking and managing the regulatory process. These have been established on the basis of a number of assumptions, some of which relate to activities of participants to this project that are not signatories to this agreement. Should events unfold in a manner that is different from what has been assumed, the milestones will necessarily be different.
Based on the information provided in the Proponent's Project Description, the following federal departments and agencies have identified an interest in the Project, and will participate in the federal review in relation to the Project as follows:
The JRPA entered into by the Minister and the President of the CNSC on August 22, 2008, establishes the JRP and the terms of reference for the review that discharges the requirements set out in the CEA Act and permits the JRP to obtain information and evidence required for it to consider the licence application under the NSCA.
The JRP has statutory responsibilities pursuant to the CEA Act (Sections 16, 16.1, 35, 40, 41, and 42) and the NSCA (Sections 20, 22, and 24). The JRP Secretariat has advisory and administrative responsibilities as set out in the JRPA.
The Minister and the President of the CNSC have established a single scope for the federal review in relation to the Project, also outlined in the JRPA. It includes site preparation, construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of up to four new nuclear power reactors. Operations will involve activities required to commission, operate and maintain the Project, including management of all conventional and radioactive wastes.
The Minister and the President have also provided the Proponent with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the Project.
Through the EA process, RAs will confirm any regulatory decisions required in relation to the Project that are included in the Law List Regulations. If no regulatory decisions are required for a department or agency, it will end its participation in the EA as an RA, but may continue to participate as an FA should it be in possession of specialist or expert information or knowledge with respect to the Project. The Regulatory Review timelines detailed in this Agreement assume that the Proponent will submit adequate NWPA and Fisheries Act applications no later than the date of submission of the Environmental Impact Statement.
The Parties are committed to a "Whole of Government" approach to Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation. To the extent possible, the Government of Canada wishes to make the most effective use of Crown resources by integrating the Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation process with the EA and Regulatory Review process for major resource projects.
The target timelines for the EA and Regulatory Review processes, each estimated from the date of the submission of the EIS are detailed in the GANTT Chart in Annex I, and are as follows:
Based on current plans and estimates, it is anticipated that the licence to operate would be considered by the Commission in 2015. Estimates assume the timely submission of applications by the Proponent, supported by the required information, and the timely provision of any additional information needed to conduct the regulatory review.
The online MPMO Tracker will provide for transparent and publicly accessible monitoring of the progress of the federal review.
The RAs will ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place, in conjunction with the Proponent, to ensure the mitigation strategies related to their areas of interest that were identified through the EA and any conditions attached to licences and approvals issued as part of the Regulatory Review are adhered to and effectively implemented.
The Federal Review Clock will provide the basis for measuring timelines and service standards included in this Agreement. Upon the submission by the proponent of the EIS, the Federal Review Clock will be started. At this point, the MPMO will begin to monitor the key milestones against the timelines and service standards established within this Agreement.
Pursuant to the MOU and in support of the Cabinet Directive, the Federal Review Clock can be stopped by the MPMO. The following are examples of situations that may result in the stoppage of the federal review process:
The Parties will use their best efforts to resolve any differences of opinion in the interpretation or application of this Agreement in an effective and timely manner.
Issues relating to Regulatory Review or Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation in relation to the Project will be resolved through direct discussions and collaboration between the involved Parties, supported by the MPMO.
Should issues remain outstanding, they will be referred to the appropriate senior level committee established through the MPMO initiative.
The Parties will participate in an informal evaluation of the effectiveness of the federal review process in relation to the Project 90 days following the issuance of the RAs' EA Course of Action decisions. The level of effort and format of review will be appropriate to the scale of project and issues encountered.
The Parties may recommend to the MPMO whether a change to the federal review process or to the Project warrants an amendment to the Agreement. Where there is agreement that an amendment is warranted, the MPMO on behalf of the parties will provide a proposed amendment to the Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee for consideration.
Unless otherwise determined by the MPMO in collaboration with the Parties, amendment of the Agreement shall not cause the Federal Review Clock to stop with respect to any Agreement-related activities that might be ongoing at the time when the need for amendment is identified.
The Parties hereto have signed the Project Agreement, in counterpart, on the dates indicated below.
Annex I - GANTT Chart - Target Timelines for the Federal Regulatory Process for the Project
Annex VII - Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation Work Plan and Roles and Responsibilities
Annex VIII - Departmental Contacts
GANTT Chart - Target Timelines for the Federal Regulatory Process for the Project
GANTT Chart - Target Timelines for the Federal Regulatory Process for the Project (Cont)
| Description/Activity | Lead | Support As Needed | Service Standard/Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posting of the Notice of Commencement for the EA on the CEARIS | CNSC | CEA Agency | February 2, 2007 |
| Request for a Panel Review | CNSC | RAs, CEA Agency | May 7, 2007 |
| Broad discussions with Aboriginal groups | CNSC | INAC, DOJ, RAs & CEA Agency | Ongoing Activity |
| Maintain Record of Crown Consultation | CNSC | MPMO | Ongoing Activity |
| Ministerial referral to a Panel Review | Minister of the Environment | CEA Agency | June 26, 2007 |
| Awarding of Participant funding (Phase I) | CEA Agency | August 27, 2007 | |
| Drafting of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines and JRP Agreement | CNSC, CEA Agency | TC, DFO | April 4, 2008 |
| Comment period on the proposed EIS Guidelines and JRP Agreement (include Joint Panel Terms of Reference) | CEA Agency and CNSC | DFO, TC, EC, NRCan, HC | April 4, 2008 to June 18, 2008 |
| Final EIS Guidelines Issued | Minister of the Environment | CEA Agency, CNSC | August 22, 2008 |
| JRP Agreement approved | CEA Agency and CNSC | August 22, 2008 | |
| Appointment of JRP by the Minister of the Environment and the Governor-in-Council | Minister of the Environment | CNSC and CEA Agency | September 4, 2008 |
| Federal Government Announces Participant Funding (Phase II) | CEA Agency | At least 45 days prior to expected receipt of the Proponent's EIS | |
| Submission of complete EIS and technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | Proponent | JRP | September 19, 2008 |
| Aboriginal Community Engagement on EIS | CNSC | CEA Agency, DFO, TC, EC, NRCan, HC | To be determined in consultation with Aboriginal communities |
| Public and Agency Comment period on EIS and technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | JRP, JRP Secretariat | DFO, TC, EC, NRCan, CNSC. HC | Determined by the JRP |
| Government Review of EIS and technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | CNSC | CEA Agency, DFO, TC, EC, NRCan, HC |
Begins within 14 calendar days of CEAA announcement of the awarding of participant funding. To be completed within 6 months of commencement of review |
| JRP submits information request to proponent (if required) | JRP Secretariat JRP | DFO, TC, CNSC | Determined by the JRP |
| Preliminary Crown Consultation Report | CNSC | MPMO, DoJ, INAC, RAs | Within 4 weeks of close of review period |
| JRP determines hearings can commence & announcement of Public Hearings | JRP | JRP Secretariat | 90 calendar days prior to hearing |
| Public Hearings regarding the EIS and technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | JRP | JRP Secretariat | Determined by the JRP |
| Government Interventions | DFO, TC, EC, NRCan, CNSC, HC | During hearings as determined by the JRP | |
| Submission of Joint Review Panel Report to Government | JRP | JRP Secretariat | Within 90 calendar days of the close of hearings |
| Crown Consultation Report | CNSC | MPMO, DoJ, INAC, RAs | Within 10 weeks of JRP Report |
| Government Response to JRP Report | NRCan | DFO, TC, CNSC, HC, EC, CEA Agency, MPMO | Within 12 weeks of submission of JRP Report |
| Course of Action Decisions pursuant to the CEA Act, s 37 posted on CEARIS | CNSC, DFO, TC | CEA Agency | Within 4 weeks of Government Response |
Note: The following milestones represent the key activities associated with the regulatory process for the Project and are not intended to reflect the entire work plan schedule associated with this Project. Furthermore, these milestones may need to be adjusted as additional information is made available.
| MILESTONE | ACTIVITIES/DESCRIPTION | LEAD | SERVICE STANDARD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submission of technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | Submission of technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | Proponent | September 19, 2008 |
| Technical Review of Application for Licence to Prepare Site | The intent of the technical review is to determine the adequacy of the Licence Application. Licence Application Review will focus but not be limited to:
|
CNSC | To be completed within 26 weeks of receipt of technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site |
| Make Decision on application for Licence to Prepare Site under NSCA | Should the EA decisions be favourable to the Project, the panel of the Commission will make its decision on the licence application to prepare the site pursuant to section 24 of the NSCA Note the JRP public hearings cover both the EA and application for licence to prepare the site. |
CNSC | Within 13 weeks of the EA Course of Action decision |
| Submission of application for Licence to Construct under the NSCA | Submission of technical information to support the application for a Licence to Construct | Proponent | May 2009 |
| Consider application for Licence to Construct | The Commission conducts hearings on the application for a Licence to Construct, in accordance with the NSCA and its Rules of Procedure | CNSC | 2011 |
| Submission of application for Licence to Operate under the NSCA | Submission of technical information to support the application for a Licence to Operate | Proponent | 2013 (Anticipated) |
| Consider application for Licence to Operate | The Commission conducts hearings on the application for a Licence to Construct, in accordance with the NSCA and its Rules of Procedure | CNSC | 2015 |
| Submission of application for Licence to Decommission | Submission of technical information to support application for a Licence to Decommission | Proponent | 2076 (Anticipated) |
| Consider application for Licence to Decommission | The Commission conducts hearings on the application for a Licence to Decommission, in accordance with the NSCA and its Rules of Procedure | CNSC | 2078 |
| Submission of application for Licence to Abandon | Submission of technical information to support application for a Licence to Abandon | Proponent | 2088 (Anticipated) |
| Consider application for Licence to Abandon | The Commission conducts hearings on the application for a Licence to Abandon, in accordance with the NSCA and its Rules of Procedure | CNSC | 2090 |
Note: The following milestones represent the key activities associated with the regulatory process for the Project and are not intended to reflect the entire work plan schedule associated with this Project. Furthermore, these milestones may need to be adjusted as additional information is made available.
| MILESTONE | ACTIVITIES/DESCRIPTION | LEAD | SERVICE STANDARD |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC liaises with Project Proponent regarding potential works in regards to impacts on navigability | TC liaises with Project Proponent regarding proposed works that could potentially impact navigation and on potential alternatives and mitigation strategies to ensure that navigability is maintained. | TC-NWPP | Ongoing |
| Submission of NWPA application for each proposed work | Proponent provides TC-NWPP with application for each proposed work and request for NWPA approval(s) complete with dimensioned plans, maps, reports, studies and data as outlined on the NWPA website. This is received in conjunction with the Environmental Impact Statement. | Proponent | TBD by Proponent. |
| Determination and comment on application | Review application package and information/plans for adequacy to support NWPA review. Requests further information if required to proceed with application |
TC-NWPP | 8 weeks after application submission |
| Navigation Impact Assessment Process - On-site Inspection(s) | Complete on-site Navigation Impact assessment of project, site and waterway(s), subject to weather and time of year. | TC-NWPP | An initial 2 month inspection process, then ongoing until completion of public comment process |
| Notice to the Proponent to Advertise pursuant to NWPA S. 9(3) | TC-NWPP provides proponent with advertisement package pursuant to NWPA S. 9(3). | TC-NWPP | Within 3 weeks of completed initial on-site inspection |
| Deposit and Advertise | Proponent deposits "Final Plans" and other relevant information to Land Title Office and advertises in 2 local papers and Canada Gazette. TC is to request status of Proponent's deposit and advertisement after 3 months if no responses are received. |
Proponent Land Title Office, Canada Gazette | Advertisement process is to occur for a minimum of 30 +1 calendar days |
| Address Public Comment regarding projects potential impact on navigation | Once the proponent receives public comment(s) in response to ads, the proponent reviews and addresses relevant navigational concerns to satisfaction of public and TC (all other concerns forwarded to CEAA). Additional requirements might be deemed necessary by TC in regards to potential impacts on navigation posed by proposed works. TC will facilitate public comment process if required. |
Proponent TC-NWPP | To be completed within 2 months of completion of advertisement process |
| Resubmission of NWPA application(s) (if required) | Resubmission of NWPA application(s) by proponent if substantial changes to proposed work(s) are required. | Proponent | TBD by Proponent |
| Final Application Review Process Issue approval under NWPA (if appropriate) |
TC will perform a final review (subject to the conclusions and recommendations of the JRP) of all information on file, including technical information and public comments. If appropriate, issue approvals under NWPA |
TC-NWPP | 4 weeks 90 calendar days following EA Course of Action decision |
Note: The following milestones represent the key activities associated with the regulatory process for the Project and are not intended to reflect the entire work plan schedule associated with this Project. Furthermore, these milestones may need to be adjusted as additional information is made available.
| MILESTONE | ACTIVITIES/DESCRIPTION | LEAD | SERVICE STANDARD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receipt from proponent of application for Section 32 and Subsection 35(2) Fisheries Act authorization | DFO receives application from the proponent for authorization of impacts to fish and fish habitat under section 32 and subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act complete with adequate plans, maps, reports and data to support the DFO Fisheries Act review. This is received in conjunction with the Environmental Impact Statement. | Proponent | To be determined by Proponent. |
| DFO response to proponent regarding impacts to fish and fish habitat | DFO acknowledges receipt of application for Fisheries Act authorization and, if required, requests additional information. DFO reviews application package and information/plans as well as the EIS for adequacy to support the Fisheries Act review. Applications may include a Fish Habitat Compensation Plan acceptable to DFO and financial security to support that Plan. DFO requests further information, if required, to proceed with review of application and EIS. |
DFO | Acknowledgement within 4 weeks regarding receipt of application Concurrent with time period for government review of EIS. To be determined by Proponent if required |
| If additional information requested, receipt of information from proponent | DFO receives additional information from proponent | To be determined by proponent. | |
| DFO response to proponent regarding Fish Habitat Compensation Plan | If appropriate, DFO notifies proponent that Fish Habitat Compensation Plan is acceptable (subject to the conclusions and recommendations of the JRP), including any financial security that may be required. | DFO | 4 weeks from receipt of acceptable Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (including financial security) |
| Decision regarding issuance of Section 32 and Subsection 35(2) Fisheries Act authorization | If appropriate, DFO issues Fisheries Act authorization to proponent for impacts to fish and fish habitat. | DFO | 90 calendar days after receipt of an acceptable Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (including financial security) and the discharge of any legal Aboriginal consultation obligations associated with the authorization(s). DFO issues authorization contingent on government's response to the panel report (i.e. if approved by Governor in Council under Paragraph 37.(1.1)(a) of CEAA). |
| FEDERAL AUTHORITY | ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES |
|---|---|
| Expert FA roles, as identified below, are related to the areas of available expertise and mandates of the respective federal entity. | |
| Environment Canada Health Canada Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada |
|
| ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES | |
|---|---|
| MPMO |
|
The Government of Canada may have a common law duty to consult with Aboriginal groups when it contemplates actions that may affect established or potential Aboriginal and treaty rights. These rights are recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The Government of Canada will take a "Whole of Government" approach to Aboriginal Consultation in the context of major resource projects to ensure that Aboriginal groups are sufficiently consulted, and where appropriate accommodated, when it contemplates actions that may affect established or potential Aboriginal and treaty rights. This approach is mandated by both the Cabinet Directive and its subsequent MOU for Improving the Regulatory Performance for Major Natural Resource Projects (June, 2007). The Directive states that federal parties will work together towards a coordinated approach for Aboriginal Consultation that is integrated with the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Regulatory Review.
The "Whole of Government" approach for Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation activities will be implemented throughout the entire EA and regulatory review process. Best efforts will be made to ensure that the timeframe for Consultation activities coincides with key EA and Regulatory Review milestones and processes. Although efforts will be made to ensure that Consultation efforts are aligned with key process steps, it is important to acknowledge that timeframes for Consultation activities may diverge from pre-established EA and Regulatory Review timeframes, based on the Consultation requirements. Should modifications to timeframes be required due to Consultation obligations, revisions will be discussed by all Parties.
The CNSC will act as the Crown Consultation Coordinator (CCC) for the federal review in relation to the Project, to the extent possible under its mandate, as a means to satisfy the Crown's obligations. Given the quasi-judicial nature of the CNSC, the Crown - through the MPMO - will exercise an oversight role to ensure that the CNSC-led process sufficiently contributes to the Crown's fulfilling of its legal duty to consult to the maximum extent possible.
Based on analysis to date, the following Aboriginal groups have been identified for engagement. This list however is not meant to be exhaustive. The CNSC, in conjunction with other RAs, will determine the appropriate level of engagement for identified groups to discharge the Crown's obligations.
| Name of Aboriginal Group | Mailing Address |
|---|---|
| 1. Chippewas of Nawash First Nation | RR 5, Wiarton, ON, N0H 2T0 |
| 2. Saugeen First Nation | RR 1, Southhampton, ON, N0H 2L0 |
| 3. Saguingue Métis Council | Box 1582 Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0 |
| 4. Grey Owen Sound Métis Council | 370 2nd Avenue East Owen Sound, ON N4K 2E9 |
Roles and responsibilities of each participating federal entity for the review of the project are as follows:
The roles and responsibilities of the JRP are outlined in subsection 4.1( c) of the Joint Review Panel Agreement (JRPA).
The CNSC will:
The Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) will:
The CEA Agency will:
Responsible Authorities will:
Federal Authorities and Expert Departments will:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and INAC will:
Proponents can/may:
| FEDERAL ENTITY | CONTACT(S) (Acting on behalf of their Department) | RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY / FEDERAL AUTHORITY | POTENTIAL / ACTUAL TRIGGER(S) | POTENTIAL / ACTUAL EXPERTISE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEA Agency | Debra Myles (613) 957-0626 debra.myles@ceaa-acee.gc.ca |
Agency | ||
| CNSC-General CNSC-EA CNSC-Licensing |
Mark Dallaire 613 947-3728 Mark.Dallaire@cnsc-ccns.gc.ca Brian Torrie 613 992-7231 Brian.Torrie@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca John Clarke 613 943 9919 JohnP.Clarke@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca Garry Schwarz 613 995-2784 garry.schwarz@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca Slobodan Jovanovic (613) 947-6430 Slobodan.jovanovic@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca |
RA | Nuclear Safety and Control Act S. 24(2) | Nuclear Safety, Radiation Protection, Environmental Protection, Nuclear Security and Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Safeguards |
| MPMO | Stefan Skocylas (613) 996-1042 sskocyla@NRCan.gc.ca |
Regulatory System for major resource projects | ||
| DFO | Lisa Fowler (905) 639-4022 Lisa.Fowler@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Dana Boyter (905) 639-0042 Dana.Boyter@dfo-mpo.gc.ca |
RA | Fisheries Act S. 32; S. 35(2) | Fish and Fish Habitat Aquatic Species at Risk |
| TC | Monique Mousseau (416) 952-0485 MOUSSEM@tc.gc.ca Barry Putt (519) 312-0120 PUTTB@tc.gc.ca David Zeit (416) 952-0507 ZEITD@tc.gc.ca |
RA | Navigable Water S. 5(1)(A); S.6(4) | Navigation Safety |
| JRP | Jennifer Clark (613) 948-2039 jennifer.clark@ceaa-acee.gc.ca Kelly McGee (613) 947-3710 Kelly.mcgee@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca |
|||
| EC | Sandro Leonardelli 416-739-5858 Sandro.Leonardelli@ec.gc.ca Rob Dobos 905 336 4953 Rob.Dobos@ec.gc.ca |
FA | Air Quality Water Quality Species at Risk Migratory Birds Hydrology Meteorology Climatology |
|
| HC | Kitty Ma (416) 954-2206 kitty_ma@hc-sc.gc.ca Carolyn Dunn (613) 9948-2875 carolyn_dunn@hc-sc.gc.ca |
FA | Human Health | |
| NRCan | Kim Mann (613) 995-4434 kmann@nrcan.gc.ca |
FA | Geosciences (e.g. geology, hydrogeology, seismicity) |