Public Participation Plan
Troilus Mining Project
Draft Version

March 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

In May 2022, the Canadian Impact Assessment Agency (the Agency) and the Cree Nation Government signed an agreementFootnote 1 to ensure the involvement of the Crees in the impact assessment of the Troilus Mining Project. The agreement delegates all aspects of the impact assessment to a joint assessment committee (the Committee), composed of members of the Agency and the Cree Nation Government. Final decision-making, however, remains the responsibility of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

On January 25, 2023, the Agency, in collaboration with the Cree Nation Government, determined that an impact assessment was required for the Troilus Mining Project (the Project), pursuant to section 16 of Canada's Impact Assessment Act (IAA).

The draft Public Participation Plan was developed to set out opportunities for public participation during the impact assessment process. It is intended to be flexible and does not preclude the Committee from making changes to the approaches described in the plan in order to accommodate changes that may occur during the assessment.

For additional information about how the Agency implements meaningful public participation, please refer to the Framework: Public Participation Under the Impact Assessment Act and the Guidance: Public Participation under the Impact Assessment Act. A separate Overview: Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan is also available, outlining Indigenous engagement opportunities and approaches.

2. Description of the Proposed Project

Troilus Gold Corp. is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of a new open-pit gold and copper mine located approximately 76 kilometres northwest of the Cree community of Mistissini and approximately 170 kilometres north of Chibougamau, Quebec. As proposed, the Troilus Mining Project would include the mining of two former open pits and one new pit, the reuse of the tailings facility, the development of waste rock and overburden piles, and the construction and operation of a new ore processing plant complex. The Project would have a maximum ore production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per day and a 10-year operating life.

3. Objectives of Public Participation

The Public Participation Plan was developed as a result of consultations conducted during the planning phase and outlines the various ways in which a participant can provide input and be involved in the process, including those participants who will be most affected by the Project. The following public participation objectives reflect the views heard during the planning phase:

  • Members of the public who wish to participate in the impact assessment have the opportunity to do so in an informed manner, with the necessary information.
  • The Committee wishes to put in place conditions conducive to the participation of a range of people, including youth, women, seniors and groups with diverse identity profiles.
  • The public participates from the outset. Its participation continues on a regular and frequent basis, at each key stage of the process.
  • The public is involved in in the development or revision of key documents, such as this plan, the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, the proponent's Impact Statement, the Committee's Impact Assessment Report and potential conditions.
  • Engagement opportunities and mechanisms are designed taking into account the diverse needs and interests of various participants. They include, but are not limited to, public comment periods, in-person events and virtual information sessions at key phases of the process.
  • Comments received on the Project can be found on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry).
  • The Committee informs the proponent about the concerns raised by the participants.
  • Public views heard throughout the process are tracked and inform decision-making.

4. Identification of Participants

The following is a list of communities, associations and other stakeholders that have indicated their interest in participating in the impact assessment of this Project. In order to identify these stakeholders, the Committee searched the web to ensure that it had a range in several categories, including the list of community organizations in the cities of Chibougamau and Chapais. This list includes entities at the national and provincial levels, a Cree entity, entities in the Nord-du-Québec region, entities in the Chibougamau and Chapais regions, and a media outlet.

  • Thirty organizations wish to be informed of the assessment process for the Troilus Mining Project:
    • Government entities
      • Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les Changement Climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs
      • Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay
      • Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government
      • Société de développement de la Baie-James
      • Société du Plan Nord
    • Municipalities
      • Ville de Chibougamau
      • Ville de Chapais
    • Mining industry
      • Mining Association of Canada
      • Québec Mining Association
      • Table jamésienne de concertation minière
    • Environment
      • MiningWatch Canada
      • Eau Secours
      • Nature Québec
      • Société pour Vaincre la Pollution
      • FaunENord
    • Socio-economic development
      • Evol (formerly Femmessor) - Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
      • MU Conseils
      • Centre d'Entrepreneurship Nordique
      • Développement Chibougamau
      • Chambre de commerce Chibougamau-Chapais
      • Corporation de développement économique de Chapais
      • Administration régionale Baie-James
      • Tourisme Baie-James
    • Research and education
      • Centre de formation professionnelle de la Baie-James
    • Social organizations
      • Réseau Hommes Québec (Baie-James)
      • Club de l'âge d'or Les intrépides de Chibougamau
      • Association Marie-Reine Chibougamau
      • Le Petit Train inc.
      • Office municipal d'habitation de Chibougamau
    • Media
      • La Sentinelle
    • Eau Secours and the Société pour Vaincre la Pollution have applied to the Participant Funding Program offered by the Agency;
    • The Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government and Eau Secours provided written comments during the consultation period on the Initial Project Description.

The Committee will keep a distribution list throughout the impact assessment. Participants on the distribution list will receive updates and notices about the Project's impact assessment as the process unfolds.

If you or your organization would like to be added to this list, please click on Submit a Comment on the Registry's Project page (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83658) or send an email to Troilus@iaac-aeic.gc.ca and ask to be added to the Public Participation Plan distribution list.

5. Public Participation Tools

The Committee has identified a series of potential tools to ensure meaningful participation throughout the impact assessment process:

  • Direct telephone line to facilitate access to information and receipt of public comments (1-418-649-6444)
  • Public consultation periods, including question and answer sessions
  • Virtual training on the impact assessment processFootnote 2 and how to participate effectively during the process
  • Community meetings (Chibougamau, Chapais), in person and/or virtual
  • Public notices
  • Notices and updates on the Registry
  • Social media updates (e.g., the Agency's Twitter feed @AEIC_IAAC #Troilus, the Cree Nation Government Twitter feed @gcccra, the Environment and Climate Change Facebook page, The Grand Council of the Crees Facebook page)
  • Email distribution
  • Community radio announcements
  • Publication in local newspapers
  • Distribution of flyers in local grocery stores or community centres

Note that this list is not exhaustive. It may be modified based on comments received to provide additional opportunities for meaningful participation and engagement. The Committee would like to hear from you:

  • What do you think of the communication tools listed above? Do you have any preferences or suggestions for tools to facilitate your participation?
  • Do you, your community or your organization face any challenges, whether economic, technical or linguistic, that could restrict or even prevent your participation in this Project? If so, please specify.

6. Activities and Public Participation Approach

The following table provides a description of the main phases in the impact assessment process, and an outline of Committee-led and other engagement opportunities in each phase, as well as events planned by the proponent (to the extent known). The table describes the objectives of each phase and the anticipated engagement activities that will be used.

Table 1 – Table of public participation approaches and activities

Expected Committee activities

Time frame

Public participation tools

Phase 1: Planning

Objectives

  • Support understanding of the Project and increase public awareness of the impact assessment process and meaningful participation.
  • Provide an opportunity for the public to apply for funding to support participation during the Planning Phase.
  • Obtain comments and feedback on documents related to the Planning Phase such as the Initial Project Description and to inform the development of the Plan and Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines
  • Notify public of key steps in the process such as the comment period on the Initial Project Description, this draft Plan and the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines as well as the decision that an impact assessment is required

Timeline: 180 days (excluding any timeline suspension)
  • The Committee invited the public and Indigenous peoples to review the summary of the Initial Project Description and to provide comments on the Project.
  • May 30 to June 24, 2022
  • Notices on the Registry
  • Online consultation period
  • Virtual information sessions
  • The Agency provided financial assistance in the form of a grant during the first comment period of the Planning phase to support participation.
  • June 1 to July 1, 2022
  • The Committee held virtual information sessions in both official languages.
  • June 7 and June 9, 2022
  • Comments received during the consultation period assisted the Committee in preparing a Summary of Issues and supporting the decision regarding the need for an impact assessment of the Project.
  • Ongoing

Phase 2: Impact Statement of the proponent

Objectives

  • Raise public awareness about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.
  • Engage the public by giving them the opportunity to participate and comment on the impact statement of the proponent.
  • Review the proponent's Impact Statement information and address any outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.

Timeline: up to three years (excluding any timeline extension)
  • The Agency will post the proponent's Impact Statement, the Impact Statement Summary and corresponding schedules on the Registry. The Committee will seek public comment on these documents.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting of the impact study on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Notices on the Registry, on social media, in newspapers and on the radio.
  • In-person and/or virtual community meetings, with the possible participation of the proponent.
  • Email and phone.
  • The Committee will ask the proponent to present the impact assessment to stakeholders.
  • During the 30-day consultation period on the impact statement
  • The Agency will advise the public of the availability of funding to support public participation in the impact assessment process. The public is encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Programs office for information. See Section 7 for contact information.
  • Announcement of funding availability to be determined.
  • The Committee will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

Phase 3: Impact Assessment of the Committee

Objectives

  • Review information on the Committee's draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions, address outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.
  • Raise public awareness about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.

Timeline: Up to 300 days (excluding any timeline extension)
  • The Agency will post the Committee's draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions on the Registry. The committee will seek public comments on these documents.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting of the Impact Assessment Report on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Notices on the Registry, on social media, in newspapers and on the radio.
  • In-person and virtual presentations.
  • Email and phone.
  • The Committee will hold community meetings for the public on the draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions. The meetings will include question and answer sessions. The Committee will also be able to conduct information sessions for target groups upon request.
  • Meetings held following the posting of the draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions.
  • The Committee will ask the proponent to make a presentation focusing on identifying issues, addressing Project concerns and explaining mitigation measures.
  • The Agency administers the Participant Funding Program to support participation in the impact assessment process. The public is encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Programs office for information. See Section 7 for contact information.
  • Announcement of funding availability to be determined.
  • The Committee will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

Phase 4: Decision of the Minister

Objectives

  • Inform the proponent and the public about the decision of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change or the Governor in Council on the Project.
  • Increase awareness in relation to the decision process.

Timeline: Up to 30 days if the determination is made by the Minister, or up to 90 days if the Minister refers the determination to the Governor in Council (excluding any timeline extension).
  • The Agency will post the following on the Registry:
  • the final Impact Assessment Report of the Committee; and
  • the Minister's Decision Statement, including any conditions associated with the Project and the rationale for the decision.
  • The Agency will post the Minister's Decision Statement, including any conditions and the rationale for the decision, on the Registry.
  • Notices on the Registry, on social media, in newspapers and on the radio.
  • Emails.
  • The Committee will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

Phase 5: Post-Decision

Objectives: if the Project is approved

  • Inform the public about follow-up and monitoring activities and the results of the follow-up program.
  • Inform participants of possible changes to the Decision Statement and request comments on the proposed changes.

Timeline: Begins after the Decision Statement is issued, with no deadline.
  • The Agency will post the results of follow-up and monitoring activities on the Registry.
  • According to the timeline set out in the Decision Statement.
  • Follow-up results posted on the Registry.
  • If the proponent submits a change to the Project and the Agency determines that it would alter the Decision Statement, the Agency will post a notice inviting the public to comment on the proposed change analysis report and on potential changes to the Decision Statement.
  • Where appropriate, the Agency will then post a notice of decision amending the Decision Statement, along with reasons for the changes.
  • If applicable, the consultation would be for 30 days following posting on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period, if applicable.
  • Notices on the Registry, if applicable.
  • The Agency will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Emails and phone

.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

* All comments received throughout Committee-led engagement and consultation activities will be made publicly available on the Project's Registry website at https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83658. A summary of comments received will also be included in the Impact Assessment Report.

7. Participant Funding

Funding in support of public participation is available. For information about the activities that are eligible for funding or to apply for funding, please see the Funding Programs guidelines at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/services/public-participation/funding-programs.html.

You may contact the Agency's Funding Programs for more information:
Telephone: 1-866-582-1884
Email: fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

8. Information

You can submit comments at any time during the impact assessment process by using the "Submit a Comment" function on the Registry website's Project page (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83658). Attachments can also be uploaded using this function.

If you have any difficulties with the submission process, please contact the Agency, using the contact information below. Comments may also be submitted through other means, including by email to Troilus@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Comments and other documents received by the Committee will be part of the Project file and will be posted on the Registry website. The Agency's Submission Policy determines what information can be shared publicly and what information should remain private. For more information on how we protect your privacy, please refer to the Agency's Privacy Notice. If you do not want your comment to be posted on the Registry website, please contact the Agency before submitting your comment.

If you have questions or need information, please contact:

Troilus Mining Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Quebec Regional Office
901-1550 D'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec City, Quebec G1J 0C1
Telephone: 418-649-6444
Email: Troilus@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

If you wish to contact the Cree Nation Government regarding the impact assessment of the Troilus Mine Project, please contact:

Anna Krupa, environmental analyst
Cree Nation Government
700 de la Gauchetière Ouest - Suite 1600
Montreal (Quebec) H3B 4L5
Telephone: 514-861-5837 ext. 1145
Cellphone: 514-831-0504
Email: anna.krupa@cngov.ca
Web page: www.cngov.ca

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