'Regulatory Agility' in an uncertain environment

Providing ‘regulatory agility’ in a new and uncertain environment

On August 28, 2019 the new federal Impact Assessment Act (IAA) and Regulations as part of Bill C-69 came into force. Matrix has been monitoring the status of the changes proposed under Bill C-69 since the beginning of the process. We have completed an in-depth review of the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations and Physical Activities Regulations under the IAA published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on August 21, 2019. We have been actively consulting with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and advising our clients on their projects and how the IAA and Regulations apply.

‘Regulatory agility’ to mitigate risks

Permitting a new capital project in Canada is risky. Regulatory changes, government changes, and unpredictable stakeholder engagement expectations have resulted in substantial delays for investors over the past several years, before the IAA came into force. Some consultants may try to offer developers regulatory certainty, but this concept is difficult, if not nearly impossible to deliver. To keep development of a project on schedule, proponents need a consultant that can offer regulatory agility: the insight to identify and mitigate foreseeable regulatory risks and the ability to react and respond effectively to those risks that are unforeseeable.

An experienced partner

Matrix is recognized as a lead practitioner in environmental impact assessment (EIA) submissions for diverse project types. Our experience includes over 750,000 hours of management and technical experience on over 25 EIAs and associated regulatory applications over the past 20 years.

This demonstrated success in executing EIAs combined with our understanding of the new IAA requirements and process allows Matrix to offer regulatory agility to our clients regarding the new federal regulatory process. Our Approvals group can help you navigate through the new Impact Assessment Act process.

For more information on Matrix’s Environmental Permitting and Approvals services click here or contact Claudia Gomez, Practice Lead, Environmental Sciences and Planning.