Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — March 27, 2023 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided that an impact assessment is required for the Ksi Lisims LNG - Natural Gas Liquefaction and Marine Terminal Project (the Project), located at Wil Milit on Pearse Island, British Columbia. The Project is proposed by the Nisga'a Nation, Rockies LNG LP, and Western LNG LLC (the proponents).

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Agency has taken into account each of the following factors:

• the proponents' Detailed Project Description, and their response to the summary of relevant issues. The Agency is satisfied that, for the purpose of determining whether an impact assessment is required, this information provided by the proponents adequately characterizes the potential effects of the Project;
• the possibility that carrying out the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and adverse direct and incidental effects;
• adverse impacts that the Project may have on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
• comments received from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities and other jurisdictions in relation to the Project. These comments are reflected in the Joint Summary of Issues and Engagement document.

The north coast of British Columbia in general has not been the subject of a federal strategic or regional assessment. The Strategic Assessment of Climate Change, released in July 2020, was recognized as a strategic assessment conducted under Section 95 of the IAA. It applies to projects designated under the IAA and the proponents identified it as relevant to the Project.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the view that the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat, marine mammals, marine plants, migratory birds, federal lands, changes to the health, social, economic and environmental conditions of Indigenous Peoples, as well as transboundary effects including in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. The Project may also adversely impact the rights of Indigenous Peoples. As a result, the Agency has decided that an impact assessment under the IAA is required.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:
KsiLisimsLNG@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.