The Firelight Group

Congratulations to two of our Firelight directors, Dr Rachel Olson and Alistair MacDonald, for the announcements of their membership on advisory committees for the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency (CEAA)!

Dr Rachel Olson, of Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation, has been announced as a member of the Indigenous Advisory Committee. The IAC is a committee comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis members to provide the CEAA with expert advice and to participate in the development of policy and guidance for the proposed new impact assessment system. The IAC will provide CEAA with broad and inclusive perspectives reflective of the unique rights, interests, priorities and circumstances of the Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Alistair MacDonald has been announced as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee on Science and Knowledge. The TACSK provides the CEAA with expert advice on topics related to impact assessments, as well as regional and strategic assessments. These topics include scientific, environmental, health, social, and economic issues, as well as Indigenous knowledge.

These two advisory committees will assist the transition to, and be built into the new forthcoming Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. The committees were created to help guide the CEAA in its aim to build this new impact assessment system with clearer guidelines for protecting the environment, fish, and waterways. The new system aims to:

  • Be proactive on regional and strategic assessments;

  • Evaluate cumulative impacts of development on issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and species at risk;

  • Allow for early planning, better project design, and increased efficiency, trust, and community engagement;

  • Ensure Indigenous engagement and partnership; and

  • Strengthen monitoring, follow-up and enforcement.

Congratulations to Rachel, Alistair, and all the brilliant people involved on the IAC and TACSK!

Learn more about the IAC’s role and its members here: https://bit.ly/2Kd8hz2

Learn more about the TACSK’s role and its members here: https://bit.ly/31hu3aC