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Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project

Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project

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Document reference number: 55

Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan

April 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

On December 16, 2022, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) determined that an impact assessment is required for the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project ("the Project"), pursuant to Subsection 16(1) of Canada's Impact Assessment Act.

The Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan (IEPP) outlines opportunities and methods for meaningful engagement and consultation with potentially affected Indigenous communities throughout the impact assessment process for the Project. Meaningful consultations are to be conducted in the spirit of reconciliation, towards a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, and in accordance with the Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

Throughout this document, the term "Indigenous peoples" is used to refer to Indigenous communities that may wish to participate in the impact assessment. This terms includes Indigenous peoples or other sub-groups connected by Band, geographical location, community roles and other shared values and identities. Within the context of the impact assessment process, the Agency encourages the active participation of a community's diversity such as the Chief and Council, community leaders, as well as other members of the community, such as women, Elders and youth.

To complement this broader IEPP, interested Indigenous communities may develop community-specific consultation plans, to describe the community's specific objectives for consultation, or any unique features of the impact assessment and consultation process pertaining to that community.

In addition to this IEPP, the Agency plans to engage Indigenous organizations that have indicated an interest in the impact assessment process using the engagement tools and methods described in the Public Participation Plan.

2. Description of the Proposed Project

Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project

QSL International Ltd. is proposing the construction and operation of a new port terminal in the industrial-port zone of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The project would consist of the construction of a wharf and related intermodal infrastructures that would reduce ship waiting times and improve the fluidity of the logistics chain. Depending on the option chosen, the T-shaped wharf would consist of a floating unloading area made up of a barge of approximately 32 x 120 metres and tow mooring dolphins.

Depending on soil capacity, the unloading area would be connected to the shore by another barge fixed to the bottom with piers or by a fixed deck supported by concrete piers. The attachment point of the transhipment wharf would be installed on the existing structures of the water intake blocks of a former thermal power plant. The primary market for the terminal is the agri-food industry, in addition to fertilizers, road salt and oversized steel parts. In operation, the terminal could accommodate up to 35 ships per year.

For more information on the Sorel-Tracy Terminal Project or to read the information and comments received, visit the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry website) at Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project (ceaa.gc.ca).

3. Objectives of Indigenous Engagement and Partnership

3.1 Objectives of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

The plan for Indigenous engagement and partnership on this project seeks to addresses:

  • Consultation with the Crown regarding the potential impacts of the project on the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights;
  • Engagement of Indigenous communities with respect to Indigenous knowledge that they may wish to apply when considering potential impacts, or any other cultural considerations and customs that should be taken into account when making decisions about the project;
  • Engaging Indigenous communities in a way that encourages the participation of different sub-groups of the population, including women, youth and elders, and that produces disaggregated data;
  • Engagement with Indigenous communities throughout the impact assessment process, including opportunities to provide input on key documents and general consultation and engagement processes;
  • Opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous communities, particularly those who have demonstrated an interest in elements of the impact assessment. Indigenous communities have identified the following objectives and interests related to engagement in the impact assessment process.

3.2 Objectives identified by Indigenous peoples during the Planning Phase

Indigenous communities have identified the following objectives and interests in participating in the impact assessment process:

  • Consultations that respect the autonomy and realities of each community in relation to the others and their freedom of association, if applicable, according to the preference expressed by the representatives of each community;
  • Consultations that respect the diverse roles of Indigenous communities in the Project area;
  • Establishing a positive working relationship and direct communication channel with the proponent and Crown consultation bodies;
    • Consultations that respect the preferred approaches of community representatives to consult their members;
    • Recognition that Indigenous communities are in the best position to consult their members;
    • Creation of an ethical space for exchange and collaboration, in which knowledge systems can interact with mutual respect and are equal in merit;
  • Alignment of federal and provincial processes, as much as possible, to avoid consultation fatigue;
  • Access to adequate financial support to enable meaningful participation in the impact assessment process;
  • Recognition of the importance of the proponent and IAAC acting in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the principle of free, prior and informed consent;
  • Recognition of the importance of the proponent obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of the communities affected by its project before proceeding;
  • Consultations respecting existing consultation protocols or created for the consultation process within the framework of the consulted First Nations project;
  • The respect of the original formats and processes of the knowledge of the Nations, communities and sub-groups represented (songs, ceremonies, storytelling, etc.);
  • The protection of sensitive or confidential data of the First Nations in the event of a sharing in the framework of the consultation process;
  • Obtaining, in a timely manner, all documentation deemed relevant in a popularized and easily accessible format for the realization of an enlightened analysis of the project's impacts on First Nations' rights;
  • Obtaining reasonable and flexible deadlines ( established in consultation with the First Nations concerned to the extent possible) for the analysis, drafting and improvement of all documentation related to the impact assessment;
  • To be able to evaluate the impact of the project on the rights of the Nation in a context of cumulative impacts (establishment of reference states and thresholds for maritime activities on the St. Lawrence River);
  • Promote the exercise of jurisdiction and the respect of First Nations stewardship obligations by:
    • The possibility of producing their own studies, evaluating themselves the impacts of the project on their activities and interests;
    • The autonomous realization of the impact assessment that concerns them in order to better value their knowledge and their knowledge of their own realities;
    • As far as possible, obtaining a mutual agreement on accommodation measures when impacts are anticipated;
    • Where appropriate, publishing a notice of decision on the impact study;
  • Acknowledgement that project impacts will need to be addressed first through avoidance measures and then through appropriate accommodation and compensation measures before the project is permitted;
    • Assurance that mitigation measures are implemented effectively and that the results of implementation and monitoring are communicated in a timely and transparent manner;
  • Project decisions based on:
    • Community input on the concept of sustainability;
    • Community concerns and values;
    • Indigenous knowledge shared through this process;
    • Consideration of the cumulative negative impacts of past, current and planned activities in the region as well as the new impacts of the project on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

4. Indigenous Communities

The Agency identified the following lists of Indigenous communities or jurisdictions that may be potentially impacted by the Project. This includes groups where the Project may adversely impact the exercise of Aboriginal or Treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples of Canada as recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and also Indigenous Peoples with asserted rights where an assessment of effects under section 22 of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) may be required. This list is based on information available in the Government of Canada's Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System, as well as information shared by Indigenous communities during initial meetings and throughout the Planning Phase.

Although the impact assessment process is not a rights-determination process, the Crown acknowledges that the content and extent of the duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate varies according to the nature of the rights (established or potential) and the severity of the Project's potential impact on these rights. The Agency's assessment of the extent of the duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate is at its preliminary phase. The Agency wishes to complete this exercise in collaboration with Indigenous communities during the Impact Statement Phase.

The Government of Canada is committed to renewing its relationship with Indigenous Peoples, which is based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Through this IEPP, the Agency supports this commitment. In addition to the IEPP, the Agency plans to engage Indigenous organizations that have indicated an interest in the impact assessment process using the engagement tools and methods outlined in the Public Participation Plan.

4.1. Crown consultation list of Indigenous communities

The Crown will consult with Indigenous communities listed Footnote 1 below to understand the concerns and potential impacts of the Project on their exercise of potential or established Aboriginal or Treaty rights and, where appropriate, make accommodations. These consultations will comprise an integral part of the work that will support the assessment of the Project.

The Indigenous communities or jurisdictions that make up the Crown Consultation list were informed of the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project during the Planning Phase of the Project's Impact Assessment process.

Table 1: Crown list of Indigenous peoples to be consulted

Nation W8banaki (Grand conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki)

Mohawk Council of Kanhawà:ke

Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat

4.2. Crown list of additional Indigenous communities to be engaged

The Crown will engage with Indigenous communities listed below to understand the concerns and impacts where an assessment of effects under section 22 of the IAA may be required. Specifically, the Agency will notify the Indigenous communities listed below during key stages of the impact assessment process.

The Agency has not identified Indigenous communities at this time.
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The list of groups targeted for Crown consultation was revised during the Planning Phase in response to Indigenous communities that indicated that they did not choose to participate in the federal impact assessment process for the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project at this time.

5. Engagement and Consultation Tools, and Methods

The following is a list of tools and methods identified by the Committee and Indigenous communities during the Planning Phase to ensure meaningful consultation in the impact assessment process:

  • Ongoing, open and transparent communication between the Crown and Indigenous communities;
    • Ongoing feedback on comments made throughout the process;
    • Inclusion of comment period deadlines in all Agency communications. Reminders, by email or telephone, a few days before the deadlines;
    • Timely sharing (as early as possible) with Indigenous communities of all information relevant to the project held by the Crown;
  • Respecting Indigenous community consultation protocols during consultation or engagement activities, where possible;
  • Sharing of information with community members in ways determined by community representatives (e.g. brochures, social media, community radio, community meetings, newsletters);
  • Inclusive meetings that allow for diverse participation (e.g., accessibility of meeting locations, timing of meetings, transportation, childcare, size of focus groups to suit members' preferences, door prizes to encourage participation);
    • Reasonable time for consultation meetings in the communities;
    • Meetings that emphasize small group discussions;
    • Engagement activities tailored to the specific needs of each community (e.g., virtual meetings, in-person meetings, surveys);
  • Availability of federal experts to participate in meetings and workshops on technical issues;
  • Considering oral comments from Indigenous community members as seriously and with the same consideration as if they had been submitted in writing;
  • Consideration of cultural elements, including issues related to seasonality (e.g., greater participation during the warm season, unavailability during harvesting and hunting seasons), cultural protocols (e.g., tobacco offering and gift giving), and spirituality (e.g., opening prayers);
  • Recognition of place names as part of Indigenous knowledge and the use of Indigenous place names to promote exchange;
  • Recognition that maps representing traditional territories are living documents;
  • Providing training on the impact assessment process;
  • Preparing a meeting summary for the Indigenous communities that participated, and ensuring that the views of their members are well represented;
  • Encouraging the proponent to provide project information in a visual format, such as 3D representations;
  • Providing workshops in a format that allows for discussion of key documents during the impact assessment process, where appropriate;
  • Signing of confidentiality agreements, respecting the principles of OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession), to prevent unauthorized disclosure of Indigenous knowledge and thereby promote the sharing of Indigenous knowledge;
  • Participant funding under the Participant Funding Program to support the participation of Indigenous communities in consultation activities, including the assessment of potential impacts and potential direct and indirect cumulative effects, as well as adverse impacts on Aboriginal and Treaty rights attributable to the project;
  • Clear information on the financial assistance available from the Agency; on the timeline for the impact assessment process (including visual representations of the process, such as timelines); and on the expected workload of Indigenous communities to ensure full participation and engagement.

In addition, the Agency will explore some possibilities:

  • Provide reasonable timeframes and flexible timelines to allow communities to complete their impact assessment and analysis processes in an informed manner, taking into consideration the closed periods of the Indigenous organizations responsible for these assessments;
  • Translation of key high-level summaries into French, English, or Indigenous languages, where possible;
  • Participation of translators or interpreters in meetings between Indigenous communities and the Crown.

6. Engagement and Consultation Approach

The table below provides a description of the key steps in the impact assessment process and explains the procedures proposed by the Agency, on behalf of the Crown, to appropriately engage and consult with Indigenous Peoples during each step. Indigenous Peoples' participation in Crown consultation activities will be supported by the Participant Funding Program. This table describes the objectives of each stage and the methods of engagement, including opportunities for Crown-Indigenous collaboration during the impact assessment process.

Prior to determining the need for an impact assessment, the Agency consulted with Indigenous Peoples on the initial Project description and prepared the Summary of Issues. The Agency subsequently forwarded this summary, which included, among other things, the key issues identified by Indigenous Peoples, to the Proponent for response. The Agency then sought comments from Indigenous Peoples on the draft Individualized Impact Statement Guidelines and the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan (this document). The Agency has taken the comments received into consideration in finalizing these documents.

Indigenous Peoples identified in Table 1 who wish to develop an individualized consultation plan with the Agency are encouraged to express their interest to the Agency as soon as possible, if they have not already done so, in having such a plan prepared during the impact assessment phase.

Table 2 - Table of Indigenous engagement approaches and activities

Notes: The following table is a supplement to Table 1 of the Public Participation Plan, which also applies to Indigenous peoples, unless otherwise specified in this plan.

Process Phase

Phase Objectives

Expected Activities (Angecy/Other Jurisdiction/Proponent)

Participation tool

Timelines

Impact Statement

Agency

  • Identify, encourage and implement opportunities for collaboration (e.g., studies conducted by Indigenous Peoples).
  • Continue the development of individualized consultation plans specific to an Indigenous community, as appropriate.
  • Communicate project information in a timely manner and to the extent possible.
  • Engage and/or consult with potentially affected Indigenous peoples on issues of importance to them.
  • Determine, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, the potential impacts of the project on the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights recognized under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
  • Identify and respect the specific impact assessment needs of Indigenous peoples.
  • Identify the proponent's commitments, and proposed mitigation and accommodation measures that could address the concerns of Indigenous communities regarding the potential adverse impacts of the project on their rights. Where appropriate, determine, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, additional measures to be implemented by the proponent and the Crown.
  • Obtain the views of Indigenous communities on whether the impact statement submitted by the proponent meets the requirements set out in the individualized impact statement guidelines and whether the information provided is sufficient to proceed with the impact assessment.

First Nation

  • Receive and respond to project information in a timely manner.
  • Review draft sections of the Impact Statement and identify where additional information or expertise is necessary to conduct an impacts to rights analysis.
  • Work with Crown experts to obtain initial analyses/expertise during the drafting of the impact statement, without which an assessment to impacts to rights will not be possible.
  • Assess the potential impact of the project on the exercise of inherent and section 35 rights.
  • Collaborate with the proponent to identify ways to avoid potential impacts on the exercise of inherent and Indigenous rights and, where impacts cannot be avoided, to mitigate and accommodate those impacts.
  • The Agency is working with Indigenous peoples to implement the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan.
  • The Agency works with Indigenous peoples to develop and implement individualized consultation plans specific to an Indigenous community, including the identification of partnership approaches where appropriate.
  • The Agency maintains a dialogue with section 35 rights holders and communities asserting s. 35 rights regarding the conduct of an assessment of potential impacts on section 35 rights.
  • The Agency manages participant funding with eligible Indigenous peoples to support their participation in the impact assessment process.
  • The Agency sends update e-mails and/or letters on the process, including plain language informational materials, and adds links to key documents on the public Registry.
  • The Agency sends correspondence detailing how the comments made by Indigenous peoples on the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan were taken into account.
  • The Agency shares information or provides training to Indigenous peoples on the impact assessment process.
  • The Agency requires the proponent to provide accessible, plain-language information materials to support the participation of Indigenous peoples.
  • The Agency requires the proponent to submit information about the project and the results of its studies and to inform Indigenous peoples about technical issues.
  • The Agency organizes meetings with the proponent, expert authorities and Indigenous peoples to discuss technical issues.
  • The Agency requires the proponent to work with Indigenous communities to enable them to gather Indigenous knowledge in order to integrate it, if they so desire, into the impact study. The Agency requires the proponent to consider Indigenous knowledge in the same way as scientific knowledge when preparing its impact study.
  • The Agency requires the proponent to work with Indigenous communities to assess potential positive and negative effects (direct and incidental), as well as avoidance, mitigation, compensation and monitoring measures, in preparation for the impact statement.
  • The Agency works with Indigenous peoples to develop partnership approaches, where appropriate, to the review of the proponent's Impact Statement.
  • The Agency provides Indigenous peoples with information on the protection of confidential information and respect for OCAP principles.
  • Comment period on the Impact Statement is conducted by the Agency. The comments will help the Agency determine whether there is sufficient information available to conduct the impact assessment of the project. Indigenous peoples will also be able to share their opinion on the project's effects, the mitigation measures and follow-up program required.
  • Where appropriate, the Agency will seek additional information from the proponent.
  • The Agency posts key documents on the public Registry, in English and in French. Where possible, high-level summaries will also be made available in the languages of the Indigenous Peoples affected by the project.
  • At the end of the Impact Statement phase, the Agency will provide Indigenous peoples with any necessary updates, including with respect to the implementation of the IEPP, any individualized consultation plans, the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge, and any updates required for the Crown's preliminary assessment of potential adverse impacts on Indigenous and treaty rights (based on information gathered during the Impact Statement phase).
  • Videoconferences
  • Emails
  • Online comments
  • Participant funding
  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Community meetings
  • Notices on the public Registry, social media, newspapers and radio
  • The development of Indigenous community-specific consultation plans will begin, where appropriate, following the finalization of the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan.
  • Videoconferences or meetings between Indigenous peoples and the Agency will be offered within approximately 30 days of sharing draft Indigenous community-specific consultation plans, where appropriate.
  • As soon as the Impact Statement is completed, implementation of a collaborative approach between the Agency, the proponent, federal authorities and Indigenous peoples to review the proponent's Impact Statement in order to gather information on the Project's potential impact on the rights of Indigenous peoples.
  • Capacity building activities, including community meetings and videoconferences, that can be conducted at any time during the Impact Statement phase and continuing throughout the Impact Assessment phase.
  • Ongoing posting on the public Registry of documents relevant to the impact assessment and comments received via the public Registry's "submit comment" function is available throughout the impact assessment process.
  • Approximate 30-day comment period on the Impact Statement. The comment period will begin once the Agency determines that the Impact Statement is compliant with the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines.
  • Impact Statement discussion sessions held within approximately 30 days of the publication of the Impact Statement on the public Registry.
  • The Impact Statement phase will be completed within 3 years or less from the notice of commencement including the public consultation on the Impact statement and time the proponent takes to answer questions and provide additional information.
  • Adaptive and flexible timelines, as much as possible and within legislated deadlines, so that communities can provide informed input.

Impact assessment

Agency

  • Share information about the impact assessment process and opportunities for participation.
  • Provide timely updates on consultation procedures, if applicable.
  • Update individualized consultation plans specific to an Indigenous community, as appropriate.
  • Co-write the assessment of potential impacts on rights and develop preliminary conclusions of the assessment of potential impacts of the project on the rights of Indigenous peoples.
  • Validate information on the Agency's draft impact assessment report and potential conditions associated with it, resolve any outstanding issues or deficiencies raised.

First Nations

  • Review of final impact statement to conduct impact to rights assessment in light of avoidance, mitigation and accommodation measures proposed by the proponent.
  • Work with the Agency to draft conditions to be included in the decision statement.
  • Issue a decision regarding the adequacy of consultations.
  • Write a notice of consent or non-consent to the project, with justifications.
  • The Agency works with Indigenous communities to implement the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan and individualized consultation plans, as appropriate.
  • The Agency adaptively manages funding with eligible Indigenous communities to support their participation in this phase, based on their needs.
  • The Agency sends out an email and/or letter updating the process and plain language distribution materials and adds links to key documents to the public registry.
  • The Agency continues to work with Indigenous communities on the preliminary assessment of potential impacts on rights to draft the consultation and accommodation chapters of the Agency's impact assessment report.
  • The Agency posts the key documents on the public registry: the draft impact assessment report and the draft list of potential conditions, in English and French. The Agency is organizing presentations on the draft impact assessment report and the associated potential conditions. The presentations will include question and answer sessions.
  • The Agency relies on the comments submitted to the public registry, in addition to the ongoing dialogue with the holders of section 35 rights and/or the organizations and institutions that represent them, to continue the assessment of potential impacts on these rights.
  • The Agency consults with Indigenous communities on any proposed complementary or alternative measures to accommodate potential adverse impacts on the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
  • The Agency sends correspondence detailing how comments received during a consultation period and at meetings have been considered.
  • Using the draft impact assessment report as the primary tool, the Agency, together with the Crown Consultation Team, will communicate any updates related to the implementation of the IEPP, any individualized consultation plan and the Crown's detailed assessment of potential adverse impacts on the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights (based on information gathered during the impact assessment phase).
  • Videoconferences
  • Emails
  • Online comments
  • Participant funding
  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Community meetings
  • Notices on the public Registry, social media, newspapers and radio
  • The impact assessment phase will take up to 300 days.
  • Exchange sessions on the draft report and the list of potential conditions held within approximately 30 days of publication of the documents on the public registry.
  • Comment period on the Agency's draft impact assessment report, as well as the draft list of potential conditions, of approximately 30 days beginning after posting on the public registry.
  • Adaptive and flexible timelines, to the extent possible and within legislated timeframes, based on the needs of Indigenous peoples in relation to the impact assessment.

Decision making

Agency

  • Submit the impact assessment report, which includes the views of Indigenous peoples, to the Minister.
  • Submit independent submissions prepared by Indigenous peoples directly to the Minister, where appropriate.
  • Answer outstanding questions, if any.
  • Provide the Decision Statement to potentially affected Indigenous peoples.
  • The Agency submits the impact assessment report to the Minister. The report includes the views of Indigenous peoples.
  • Indigenous peoples may also choose to make their own independent submissions directly to the Minister, to help inform federal decision-making.
  • The Agency sends an update e-mail and/or letter on the process and plain language materials for distribution and adds links to key documents in the public Registry.
  • Where appropriate, the Agency continues to consult with Indigenous peoples on the impact assessment report, any recommended potential additional conditions, proposals for potential complementary measures or other accommodation measures with respect to potential adverse impacts on the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
  • The Agency responds to outstanding issues prior to the Minister's Decision Statement.
  • The Agency posts the Minister's Decision Statement on the public Registry. The Decision Statement will include the reasons for the public interest determination and any enforceable conditions to be met by the proponent.
  • The Agency sends correspondence detailing how comments received during a consultation period and at meetings have been considered.
  • The Agency holds a briefing with Indigenous peoples on the Minister's Decision Statement and explains how comments were taken into account.
  • The Agency offers interested Indigenous peoples an opportunity to learn about the steps that will follow the impact assessment decision.
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  • The public notice announcing the Decision Statement will be published within 30 days from the time the Agency publish the Impact Assessment report and proposed conditions to the Minister.
  • Within approximately 30 days of the posting of the Decision Statement, opportunity for a videoconference between the Agency and Indigenous peoples to discuss the decision and related documents.
  • Consultations continue during the Decision-Making phase to discuss additional accommodation, if required.

Post décision

Agency

  • Transfer the Crown consultation file to federal authorities.
  • Establish,where appropriate, an oversight committee to support the monitoring and surveillance program.
  • Make the results of the monitoring program available.

First Nations

  • Participate in oversight and monitoring, if appropriate and development of post-approval conditions, if necessary.
  • Continue consultation process with bodies responsible for regulatory approvals.
  • Receive information about the progress of the project implementation and operations.
  • The Agency facilitates the transfer of the Crown consultation record to federal authorities for post-decision regulatory approvals.
  • The Agency will conduct compliance and enforcement activities.
  • The Agency will engage and/or consult on amendments to the Decision Statement, if the proponent submits a project change.

Online comments* on potential amendments to Decision Statement.
  • Monitoring and follow-up activities will take place throughout the life cycle of the project.
  • If a monitoring committee is established, meetings will be held according to timelines. identified in discussions with committee members.
  • The results of the monitoring program are posted according to the timeline identified in the decision statement.
  • The online comment period will take place within 30 days of the posting of potential changes to the decision statement, if the proponent submits a project change.

7. Participant Funding

During the Planning Phase, Indigenous communities received grant funding to support their comments on the Initial Project Description. Grant funding was also available to support the review and comment on the draft Guidelines, and the draft IEPP. Funding is also available to support Indigenous communities to participate throughout the impact assessment process. The opportunity to submit applications for funding will be made available to Indigenous communities or jurisdictions during the Impact Statement phase. These participant-funding opportunities will support the Indigenous communities to comment on the proponent's Impact Statement and the Agency's draft Impact Assessment Report and potential conditions.

For information about the activities that are eligible for funding or how to apply for funding, please see the National Program Guidelines and the application process at: https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/services/policy-guidance/participant-funding-program-national-program-guidelines.html.

8. Federal Agencies' Roles and Responsibilities

The Permitting Plan issued at the end of the Planning Phase describes the permits and authorizations that may be required for the Project to proceed.

Federal authorities identified in the Permitting Plan as well as those with additional expert advice will engage as needed with the Agency, proponent, Indigenous communities and other parties to clarify information requirements related to its specialist or expert information and knowledge. Throughout the impact assessment process, federal authorities may also review and analyze the proponent's Impact Statement; support and participate in the Agency's Crown consultation activities; and support the Agency and Indigenous communities in understanding, assessing and addressing impacts on the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

The Agency, on behalf of the Government of Canada, will lead Crown consultations for the impact assessment and will form the federal review team described above.

9. How to Submit Comments

Comments can be submitted at any time during the impact assessment process by using the "submit a comment" feature on the Registry website (Reference Number 83969). Attachments can also be uploaded using this function.

If you have any difficulties with the submission process, please contact the Senior consultation officer assigned to the project or using the contact information below. Comments may also be submitted through other means, including by email to Sorel-Tracy@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Comments and other documents received by the Agency will form 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.

Indigenous Knowledge shared in confidence is protected from disclosure under section 119 of the IAA, except if written consent is provided, or if the information is publicly available. In addition, Indigenous Knowledge shared in confidence could be shared with certain parties if disclosure is necessary for procedural fairness and natural justice or for use in legal proceedings. This ensures that interested persons have a fair opportunity to participate in processes that would likely affect their interests, and that they have access to all necessary information and evidence relied on by the decision-maker. Should you wish to provide any comments or documents that contain confidential or sensitive information that should be protected from release to the public, please contact the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project Team (contact below) before submitting the information. This will ensure that your submission is handled appropriately. Note, the Agency will consult with you prior to disclosing Indigenous Knowledge shared in confidence under an exception.

A summary of the comments received during the impact assessment process will also be added to the Agency's impact assessment report.

If you have questions or need information, please contact the Agency office responsible for administering the impact assessment process for this project:

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

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