Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — December 16, 2022 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided that an impact assessment is required for the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project (the project) located in Quebec.

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

• The proponent's Detailed Project Description and its response to the summary of relevant issues (in French only). The Agency is satisfied that, for the purpose of determining whether an impact assessment is required, this information provided by the proponent 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;
• Comments received from the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the project summarized in the Summary of Issues.

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.

In 2021, the Agency began a Regional Assessment of the St. Lawrence River Area. This assessment will be conducted for a portion of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. The Agency will work with the Province of Quebec, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities, non-government organizations and the public to determine the appropriate activities, outcomes and boundaries of the regional assessment. The Regional Assessment will help inform future project-specific federal impact assessments and decisions in this area.

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, migratory birds, and changes to the health, social, economic and environmental conditions of Indigenous people. 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 more information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
901-1550, Estimauville Avenue
Quebec, Quebec G1J 0C1
Telephone: 418-649-6444
Email: Sorel-Tracy@iaac-aeic.gc.ca