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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 to enable a more effective assessment and mitigation of potential environmental effects, 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 adversely affect established or potential Aboriginal and treaty rights under Section 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 Ontario Power Generation (the Proponent) has submitted a Project Description in support of its proposal to develop a new nuclear power plant at Clarington, Ontario (the Project);
AND WHEREAS the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Transport Canada (TC) and Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) may have regulatory and statutory duties in relation to the Project and will participate in the federal review of the Project;
AND WHEREAS a Joint Review Panel (JRP) will be appointed to assess the environmental effects pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and the Licence Application under the Nuclear Safety Control Act (NSCA);
AND WHEREAS nothing in this Project Agreement (Agreement) fetters the powers, statutory authorities and functions of federal departments/agencies and their respective Ministers;
AND WHEREAS the CNSC is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal;
NOW THEREFORE the signatories to this Agreement commit to work together to facilitate an effective, accountable, transparent, timely and predictable federal review in relation to the Project and to contribute to the discharging of any duty to consult with Aboriginal groups.
This Agreement describes the main activities of the federal review process and outlines the key roles and responsibilities of the federal signatories (the Parties) to this Agreement in relation to the Project, including EA, regulatory review, and Aboriginal engagement and consultation.
In addition, the Agreement establishes service standards for each milestone of the federal review as the basis for tracking and managing progress. 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, such as the Proponent, Aboriginal Groups, and the JRP. Should events unfold in a manner that is different from what has been assumed, the timelines associated to the EA and Regulatory Review will necessarily be different
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 Darlington Nuclear Generating Station Site within the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario.
Based on the information provided by the Proponent, 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 Joint Review Panel Agreement (JRPA) entered into by the Minister of the Environment and the President of the CNSC on March 12, 2009 establishes a JRP that will conduct the assessment of the environmental effects of the Project pursuant to the CEAA and will consider the licence application under the NSCA in a manner that discharges the requirements set out in the CEAA and permits it to obtain the information and evidence required for it to consider the licence application under the NSCA. The Minister of the Environment has also provided the Proponent with the EIS Guidelines for the Project which prescribes the requirements of the content of the EIS.
The Minister of the Environment and the CNSC have established the scope of project for the federal review in relation to the Project as 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 JRP has statutory responsibilities pursuant to the CEAA and the NSCA. The JRP Secretariat has advisory and administrative responsibilities as set out in the JRPA. The JRP is not a party to this Agreement.
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 EA and Regulatory Review timelines detailed in this Agreement assume that the Proponent will submit complete and accurate NSCA, NWPA, Fisheries Act, and CT Act applications no later than the date of submission of the EIS.
The Parties are committed to a “Whole of Government” approach to Aboriginal engagement and consultation in the context of major resource projects to ensure that Aboriginal groups are sufficiently consulted, and where appropriate accommodated, when the Government of Canada contemplates actions that may adversely affect established or potential Aboriginal and treaty rights. To the extent possible, and with the CNSC responsible for coordination, the Parties will work together towards a coordinated approach for Aboriginal consultation that is integrated with the EA and regulatory review processes.
The proposed Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation Process and Roles and Responsibilities are identified in Annex III.
The target timelines for the EA and Regulatory Review processes are detailed in the Gantt chart in Annex I, and are as follows:
Based on current plans and estimates – and assuming the timely submission of all documents, NSCA, NWPA, Fisheries Act, and CT Act applications, additional information, the timely completion of JRP activities, and the discharge of the Crown’s Aboriginal Consultation duty – it is anticipated that the licence to operate would be considered by the Commission in 2017.
The MPMO Tracker will provide for transparent and publicly accessible monitoring of the progress of the federal review.
The RAs will work with FAs to ensure that appropriate measures are in place, in conjunction with the Proponent, to ensure the follow-up and monitoring related to their areas of regulatory responsibility 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 milestones, timelines and service standards set out in this Agreement, subject to any amendments, will provide the basis against which the MPMO will track and monitor the progress of the federal review process. The MPMO will report on this progress in the MPMO Tracker and suspend timelines in situations such as:
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 the environmental assessment, 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 regulatory review. The level of effort and format of the review will be appropriate to the scale of the 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 a consensus 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, an amendment of the Agreement shall not cause the federal review to stop with respect to any Agreement-related activities that might be ongoing at the time when the need for an amendment is identified.
The Parties hereto have signed the Project Agreement, in counterpart, on the dates indicated below.
| Original Signed by Cassie Doyle Deputy Minister Natural Resources Canada |
May 16, 2009 Date |
| Original Signed by Michael Binder President Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission |
April 24, 2009 Date |
| Original Signed by Peter Sylvester President Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency |
May 7, 2009 Date |
| Original Signed by Geoffrey Hare Chairman Canadian Transportation Agency |
April 21, 2009 Date |
| Original Signed by Claire Dansereau Deputy Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada |
May 1, 2009 Date |
| Original Signed by Louis Ranger Deputy Minister Transport Canada |
April 23, 2009 Date |
| Original Signed by Ian Shugart Deputy Minister Environment Canada |
May 2, 2009 Date |
| Original Signed by Michael Wernick Deputy Minister Indian and Northern Affairs |
May 8, 2009 Date |
Annex I – Gantt Chart – Target Timelines for the Federal Regulatory Process for the Project
Annex III – Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation Process and Roles and Responsibilities
Annex V – Transport Canada: Roles, Responsibilities, Key Milestones and Service Standards
| Description/Activity | Lead | Support As Needed | Service Standard, or Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice of Commencement Posted on Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry (CEAR) | CNSC | CEA Agency | May 17, 2007 |
| Request for a Joint Panel Review | CNSC | DFO, TC, CTA, CEA Agency | January 8, 2008 |
| Minister of the Environment refers project to EA by a Joint Review Panel | Minister of the Environment | CEA Agency | March 20, 2008 |
| Federal Government Announces Participant Funding (Phase I) | CEA Agency | April 1, 2008 | |
| Federal Government Awards Participant Funding (Phase I) | CEA Agency | June 4, 2008 | |
| Comment period on the proposed EIS Guidelines and JRP Agreement (include Joint Review Panel Terms of Reference) | CEA Agency and CNSC | DFO, TC, CTA, EC, NRCan | September 5, 2008 to November 19, 2008 |
| Final EIS Guidelines Issued | Minister of the Environment | CEA Agency, CNSC | March 12, 2009 |
| JRP Agreement Issued | Minister of the Environment and CNSC | CEA Agency | March 12, 2009 |
| Appointment of JRP by the Minister of the Environment and the President of the CNSC | Minister of the Environment, CNSC | CNSC and CEA Agency | Determined by the Minister of the Environment and the President of the CNSC |
| Federal Government Announces Participant Funding (Phase II) | CEA Agency | At least 45 calendar days prior to expected receipt of the Proponent’s EIS | |
| Submission of complete EIS, technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site, and applications to support TC, DFO, and CTA approvals/ authorizations | Proponent | JRP, TC, DFO, CTA | Determined by the Proponent |
| JRP announces commencement of public review and comment period. | JRP | Within 14 calendar days of Submission of complete EIS and technical information | |
| Aboriginal Community Engagement on EIS | CNSC | CEA Agency, DFO, TC, CTA, EC, NRCan | Process & schedule to be determined in cooperation with Aboriginal communities |
| Public comment period on, and Government review of, EIS and technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | JRP, JRP Secretariat | DFO, TC, CTA, EC, NRCan, CNSC | The date of commencement of this step is determined by the JRP. The duration is 7 months in addition to time the Proponent needs to respond to information requests. |
| JRP submits information request(s) to Proponent (if required) | JRP Secretariat JRP | DFO, TC, CTA, CNSC |
The frequency and timing of the submission of information requests to the Proponent will be determined by the JRP, and may lengthen the review period of the EIS. |
| Announcement of Public Hearings | JRP | 90 calendar days prior to hearing | |
| Written Government Interventions | CNSC, CEA Agency, DFO, TC, CTA, EC, NRCan | During the 90 day period prior to the commencement of hearings | |
| Public Hearings on the EIS and technical information to support application for Licence to Prepare Site | JRP | The date of commencement of this step as well as the duration of the hearings is determined by the JRP | |
| Government Interventions | DFO, TC, CTA, EC, NRCan, CNSC | During hearings as determined by the JRP | |
| Submission of Joint Review Panel Report to Government Of Canada | JRP | To be posted on the CEAR within 90 calendar days of the close of hearings | |
| Government Response to JRP Report | NRCan | DFO, TC, CTA, CNSC, EC, CEA Agency, MPMO | Within 12 weeks of submission of JRP report under the condition that the RAs have determined that the Crown's duty to consult has been adequate to this particular point and that the CEAA requirements have been met. |
| Governor in Council decision | PCO | CEA Agency, CNSC, TC, CTA, DFO | Determined by Cabinet |
| Course of Action Decisions pursuant to the CEAA, s 37 posted on CEAR | CNSC, DFO, TC, CTA | CEA Agency | Within 1 week of Government in Council decision |
The Government of Canada consults with Aboriginal people for reasons of good governance, sound policy development and decision-making as well as for legal reasons. Canada has statutory, contractual and common law obligations to consult with Aboriginal groups. The common law duty to consult with Aboriginal groups applies when the Crown contemplates actions that may adversely 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 actions are contemplated that may adversely 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 CNSC, in conjunction with RAs and the MPMO, will identify Aboriginal groups for engagement and will determine the appropriate level of engagement and consultation for identified groups. Aboriginal groups engaged may change over time based on information received during the course of the assessment and the feedback from Aboriginal groups, as may the level of engagement and consultation activities undertaken by the Crown.
The “Whole of Government” approach for Aboriginal Engagement and Consultation activities will be implemented throughout the entire EA and regulatory review processes. Although best efforts will be made to ensure that the timeframe for Consultation activities coincides with key EA and Regulatory Review milestones and processes, 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 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.
Roles and responsibilities of each participating federal entity for the review of the project are:
The JRP has roles and responsibilities 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:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, and Canadian Transportation Agency will:
Natural Resources Canada, Health Canada, and Environment Canada will:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and INAC will:
Joint EA and Licensing
Post-EA Licensing
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 | To be determined by the Proponent |
| 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 28 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 JRP 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 |
| 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 | Within 30 months of receipt of complete application |
| Submission of application for Licence to Operate under the NSCA | Submission of technical information to support the application for a Licence to Operate | Proponent | To be determined by the Proponent |
| 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 | Within 24 months of receipt of complete application |
| Submission of application for Licence to Decommission | Submission of technical information to support application for a Licence to Decommission | Proponent | To be determined by the Proponent |
| 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 | Within 30 months of receipt of complete application |
| Submission of application for Licence to Abandon | Submission of technical information to support application for a Licence to Abandon | Proponent | To be determined by the Proponent |
| 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 | Within 30 months of receipt of complete application |
EA
Regulatory
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 | Liaise with Proponent regarding proposed works that could potentially impact navigation and on potential alternatives and mitigation strategies to ensure that navigability is maintained. | TC | Ongoing |
| Submission of NWPA application for each proposed work | Proponent provides TC 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, no later than the time of submission of the EIS. | Proponent | Determined 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 | 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 | 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) | Provide Proponent with advertisement package pursuant to NWPA s. 9(3). | TC | Within 3 weeks of completed initial on-site inspection and following the assessment of navigational issues arising from any changes to the project due to EA issues |
| Deposit and Advertise | Deposit "Final Plans" and other relevant information with Land Title Office or the government agent and advertises in two local papers and the Canada Gazette. PProvide proof of deposit and advertising to TC |
Proponent | Advertisement process is to occur for a minimum of 30 +1 calendar days |
| Address Public Comments regarding Project’s Potential Impact on Navigation | Should TC receive concerns from the public or Aboriginal groups regarding navigation, the Proponent and TC will work together to resolve concerns. Additional requirements might be deemed necessary by TC in regard to potential impacts on navigation posed by proposed works. TC will facilitate public comment process if required. |
Proponent TC |
To be completed within 2 months of completion of the advertisement process |
| Resubmission of NWPA application(s)(if required) | Re-submission of NWPA application(s) by Proponent if substantial changes to proposed work(s) are required. | Proponent | Dependent on Proponent if required |
| Final Application Review Process | Perform a final review (subject to the Panel’s conclusions and recommendations) of all information on file, including technical information and public comments. | TC | 4 weeks |
| Issue approval under NWPA (if appropriate) | If appropriate, issue approvals under NWPA | TC | Within 90 calendar days following EA Course of Action decision if NWPA application(s) submitted no later than the time of submission of the EIS |
EA
Regulatory
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 an application for a Section 32 and a 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 review. This may include a fish habitat compensation plan to support the Fisheries Act review. The application should be received in conjunction with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). |
Proponent | Dependent on timing of the submission of the application by the proponent. |
| DFO response to Proponent regarding impacts to fish and fish habitat and the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan | DFO reviews the application package (including the habitat compensation plan and associated financial security, if applicable) for adequacy to support the Fisheries Act review. DFO requests further information, if required, to proceed with review of the application (and the). | DFO | Concurrent with review of the EIS if application is received during the EIS review. |
| Receipt of additional information from Proponent | DFO receives additional information from Proponent | Proponent | Dependent on timing of the submission of additional information by the Proponent. |
| DFO regarding Issuance of Section 32 and Subsection 35(2) Fisheries Act authorization | If appropriate, DFO issues a Fisheries Act authorization to Proponent for impacts to fish and fish habitat. | DFO | The issuance of the Fisheries Act authorization(s) is contingent on the EA Course of Action decision and must be consistent with the response to the JRP Report approved by Governor in Council under Paragraph 37(1.1)(a) of CEAA. DFO issues the authorization 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). Issuance of the authorizations will also consider the Proponent’s timing needs for the authorization in that, should the authorization not be required until much later than the timeline above, DFO will issue it when it is appropriate. |
EA
Regulatory
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 for authorization for rail construction and operation pursuant to S. 98(2) of the Canada Transportation Act, if required | Proponent applies to the CTA for authorization for rail construction and operation under S. 98(2) of the Canada Transportation Act. | Proponent | Dependent upon the Proponent. |
| Proponent publishes notice of project and provides consultation period for interested parties to comment. | Proponent publishes notice of project and provides consultation period for interested parties to comment. | Proponent | Simultaneously with application to the CTA |
| CTA determines whether application information is adequate and complete and requests additional information if necessary | If any information is not filed or is deficient in any way, the CTA may advise the applicant that the application is not complete ad cannot be processed until the necessary information is filed. | CTA | To be determined by CTA |
| Interested parties forward comments to the CTA and to the Proponent | A respondent may oppose an application within 30 days after receiving it, by filing with the CTA a clear and concise written answer that includes an admission or denial of any facts alleged in the application and any documents that are relevant in explaining or supporting the answer. A person who has an interest in an application other than the applicant, the respondent or an interested person, may intervene to support or oppose the application. |
Interested Parties | Dependent upon Interested Parties |
| Proponent responds to comments from interested parties | An applicant may, within 10 days after receiving a copy of an answer or intervention, file with the Agency and serve on the other parties to the proceeding a written reply to the answer or intervention. | Proponent | Within the period the CTA directs |
| Possible authorization pursuant to S. 98(2) of the CT Act (if required) | Issue authorization under Section 98(2) of the CT Act (if required). Authorization is contingent on a course of action decision that would allow the issuance of the authorization. | CTA | Within 120 days of submission for authorization, contingent on course of action decision. |
| Federal Authority | ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES |
|---|---|
| Environment Canada Natural Resources Canada |
|
| Health Canada |
|
| Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency |
|
| INAC |
|
| Natural Resources Canada |
|
| ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES | |
|---|---|
| MPMO |
|