Comprehensive Studies

A comprehensive study involves an in-depth assessment, usually reserved for large-scale projects having the potential for significant adverse environmental effects and that have been prescribed in the Comprehensive Study List Regulations. On July 12, 2010 amendments to the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act came into effect that streamlined the administrative process and provided new authority for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to assume responsibility for the conduct of all comprehensive studies, except for projects regulated by the National Energy Board or the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The Agency performs this role until the comprehensive study report is submitted to the Minister of the Environment.

For information on designated projects proposed since the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into force, visit the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry.

Current | Completed | Terminated

Current

A comprehensive study is defined as current when the decision of the responsible authority(ies) concerning the environmental effects of the project has not been taken.

  • None at this time

Completed

A comprehensive study is defined as completed when the decision of the responsible authority(ies) concerning the environmental effects of the project has been taken. Where applicable, after an environmental assessment decision has been taken, the responsible authority(ies) must establish a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment of a project and to determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate adverse environmental effects of the project.

Terminated

A comprehensive study is defined as terminated following a decision by the responsible authority(ies) to not exercise any power or perform any duty or function for the purpose of enabling a project to be carried out in whole or in part.