Thank you, Mr. Chair, and members of the committee.
I'd like to give today some further detail on the initiatives and programs to which the funding that Alan has outlined will be allocated.
Under the proposed impact assessment act, Bill C-69, the agency will become the lead organization responsible for federal impact assessment of designated projects. This will include projects which are currently assessed by the National Energy Board and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The agency will be conducting assessments within strict legislated timelines.
Some of the significant responsibilities and enhanced programs proposed under the legislation include the following: the conduct of a new early planning phase for projects, improved co-operation with other jurisdictions, increased opportunities for public participation and transparency, and support for indigenous peoples and the public in an expanded role in monitoring impacts during the implementation and operation of approved projects.
I'd like to note that the agency is now pursuing discussions on co-operation agreements with interested provinces, and is considering piloting early planning for projects in the early stages of environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act—the current legislation, CEAA, 2012.
Under the new act, the agency will fulfill the role of Crown consultation coordinator for all designated projects, and the agency will ensure effective collaboration and meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples. These goals will be achieved through the provision of increased participant funding, as well as the launch of a new capacity support program that will improve the preparedness of indigenous groups and their technical expertise related to impact assessment.
In turn, this increased capacity is expected to result in improved participation in federal assessments, ensuring that indigenous knowledge, laws and culture are considered in impact assessment and influence assessment processes. These efforts will support the government's reconciliation commitments and build deeper collaboration with indigenous peoples.
The final area for which the agency is receiving funding will allow the agency to make important contributions to the government's deliberative approach to cumulative effects. The agency will lead the conduct of three regional assessments over five years, which will support the management of cumulative effects and provide important information for future project assessments.
The agency is using the funding that was approved earlier this year to support the work on the first of the three regional assessments, which will explore the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration. This initiative has been launched jointly with the Government of Newfoundland.
Thank you to the members of the committee for the opportunity to speak today. I look forward to taking any questions you may have.