In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, the Canadian Construction Association strongly suggests that the committee propose significant changes to federal environmental assessment by recommending that the Government of Canada adopt a leadership position in establishing a national framework for environmental assessment that minimizes duplication and assures “one project, one assessment”.
We believe that federal resources should be focused on those projects that would benefit from environmental assessment--namely, those projects that have the risk of high consequence environmental effects, or for which standard mitigation and environmental legislation may not effectively manage potential environmental effects. We also believe that the triggering mechanisms for environmental assessment must be simplified by adopting a list-based approach, which will also improve the timeliness of the assessment process. Lastly, consideration should be given to the principle of self-assessment and how it contributes to the overall diffusion of responsibility and a general lack of efficiency and effectiveness.
In short, we seek environmental assessments that are certain, non-duplicative, and not overly delaying projects that have already gotten a green light. The most frustrating thing our members see, when there is a green light for a project to proceed, is when the light goes amber or red because of confusion or uncertainty or duplication with respect to the environmental process.
Once again, thank you for inviting us to share our members' views on the CEA Act.