Public Participation Plan
Crawford Nickel project

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Document Reference Number: 93

March 31, 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

On January 5, 2023, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) announced that an impact assessment is required for the Crawford Nickel Project (the Project), pursuant to section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA).

The Public Participation Plan (the Plan) was developed by the Agency to set out opportunities for participation during the impact assessment process. It is intended to be flexible and does not preclude the Agency from making changes to the approaches described in this 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 Guidance: Public Participation under the Impact Assessment Act. An Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan is also available, outlining Indigenous engagement opportunities and approaches.

2. Description of the proposed Project

Canada Nickel Company (the proponent) is proposing the construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of an open-pit nickel-cobalt mine and on-site metal mill, located 43 kilometres north of Timmins, Ontario. As proposed, the Project would have a mine ore production capacity of 275,000 tonnes per day and a mill ore input capacity of 120,000 tonnes per day. The Project would operate for about 43 years.

For more information on the impact assessment of the Crawford Nickel Project or to view the information and comments received, visit the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry website (the Registry) at https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83857?culture=en-CA.

3. Objectives of public participation

The Plan outlines the various ways participants can provide input and participate in the process. The Agency objectives for public participation are as follows:

  • Public participation is meaningful. This means that the public is provided with:
    • opportunities to take part in the impact assessment;
    • the information they need to participate; and
    • the capacity to participate in an informed manner.
  • The public is engaged early and often, particularly at each key stage of the impact assessment process.
    • The public brings forward key issues to the Agency and the proponent early in the process to inform the proponent's Impact Statement.
    • The public is involved in the development or revision of key documents, such as this Plan, the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, the proponent's Impact Statement, the Agency's draft Impact Assessment Report and potential conditions, and potential amendments to the Decision Statement should amendments be required.
  • Activities are coordinated with other jurisdictions involved in the assessment, where possible.
  • Participation opportunities are designed taking into account the diverse needs and interests of various participants. Opportunities include, but are not limited to: public comment periods, and in-person or virtual information sessions or engagement events at key phases of the process.
  • The Agency 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 Agency has compiled a list of communities, associations and other stakeholders that may have an interest in this project's impact assessment. The list was informed by participants in the Planning Phase for the Project; participants identified in documents provided by the proponent; and participants identified by the Agency in proximity to the Project with potential interest or technical knowledge relevant to the impact assessment.

The Agency will maintain a distribution list for those identified above, throughout the impact assessment. The Public Participation Plan distribution list can be found in Appendix 1. 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 use the "Submit a Comment" function on the Registry's project page (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83857?culture=en-CA) or send an email to Crawford@iaac-aeic.gc.ca and request to be added to the Public Participation Plan distribution list.

Please consult the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan for a list of the Indigenous communities that are identified for engagement as part of the impact assessment of the Project.

5. Public participation tools

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

  • Opportunities to apply for funding under the Participant Funding Program (https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/services/public-participation/funding-programs/participant-funding-program.html) to support the public in participating in the impact assessment process;
  • Public notice(s) in plain language on the Registry website and published in newspapers, news websites, and radio broadcasts that provide information and updates on the impact assessment process, announce public participation opportunities, objectives of comment periods and funding opportunities;
  • Emails in plain language to the Public Participation Plan distribution list that provide information and updates on the impact assessment process, announce public participation opportunities, objectives of comment periods, and funding opportunities;
  • Social media updates (e.g., the Agency's Twitter Feed: @IAAC_AEIC #CrawfordNickel) that provide information and updates on the impact assessment process, announce public participation opportunities, and funding opportunities;
  • Interactive community information sessions to learn more about the Project, the impact assessment process and how to submit comments (presentations, with question and answer sessions and/or workshops to be held virtually or in-person);
  • Summaries of key documents, fact sheets, infographics, and audio-visual materials in plain language and in an accessible format;
  • Public comment periods at key stages of the process;
  • Registry website to post written comments at key public comment periods, and throughout the process; and
  • Free training opportunities for people involved directly in impact assessmentsFootnote 1.

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 Agency-led 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, the anticipated engagement activities that will be used, and the public participation tools that will support the engagement activities. The type of engagement activities (virtual or in-person) will be announced at each opportunity.

Table 1 – Table of public participation approaches and activities

Expected Agency activities

Expected public participation/activities

Engagement method

Phase 1: Planning

Objectives

  • Support understanding of the Project
  • Provide an opportunity for the public to apply for funding to support participation during the Planning Phase
  • Increase public awareness of the impact assessment process and meaningful participation
  • 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 the public of key steps in the process such as the comment period on the Initial Project Description, the 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)

  • From August 8 to September 7, 2022, the Agency offered grant funding during the first comment period of the Planning Phase to support participation
  • From August 8 to September 7, 2022, the Agency hosted virtual information sessions, with a question and answer session, to support public understanding of impact assessment process and sought comments on the Initial Project Description
  • The Agency responded to any inquiries, sent letters / emails informing the public on the Agency's distribution list and posted key documents on the Registry website
  • The Agency provided online training on the impact assessment process
  • From February 6 to March 8, 2023, the Agency made grant funding available for the second comment period of the Planning Phase
  • From February 6 to March 8, 2023, the Agency hosted virtual and in-person information sessions, with a question and answer session, to support public understanding of the impact assessment process and sought comments on the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and the draft Plan
  • From August 8 to September 7, 2022, participated in the first comment period on the Initial Project Description
  • Submitted comments on the Initial Project Description
  • Interested participants applied for available grant funding during the first comment period of the Planning Phase to support participation
  • From February 6 to March 8, 2023, participated in the second comment period of the Planning Phase on the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and the draft Plan
  • Participated in information sessions, with a question and answer session to discuss and inform key planning documents
  • Submitted comments on the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and the draft Plan
  • Emails
  • Online comments
  • Meetings, information sessions and/or workshops
  • Posting of relevant documents and Notices on the Registry website
  • Public notice or news release, and social media

Phase 2: Impact Statement

Objectives:

  • Increase public awareness of the impact assessment process
  • Provide an opportunity for the public to apply for participant funding for the remainder of the impact assessment process
  • Encourage the public to share information with the proponent to inform the development of the proponent's Impact Statement
  • Obtain comments / views on the proponent's Impact Statement
  • Notify the public of key steps in the process such as receipt of the Impact Statement and the comment period on the Impact Statement

Timeline: up to 3 years (excluding any timeline extension)

  • The Agency makes participant funding available for the remainder of the impact assessment process
  • The Agency administers participant funding throughout the Impact Statement Phase
  • The Agency may present on the impact assessment process at the proponent's meetings while the proponent develops the Impact Statement
  • The Agency posts the Impact Statement on the Registry website and sends notification emails to the public distribution list
  • The Agency holds a comment period on the Impact Statement. The comments will assist in determining whether the Impact Statement contains all the information and studies requested in the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines
  • The Agency issues requests to the proponent for information or studies required to satisfy the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines
  • The Agency asks the proponent to present on identified issues, addressing project concerns and explaining mitigation and monitoring measures
  • Apply for available participant funding to participate in the remaining phases of the impact assessment process
  • Participate in proponent's meetings on its Impact Statement
  • Submit comments, including those related to community knowledge, if applicable, that the proponent considers when developing the Impact Statement
  • Participants potentially impacted by the Project work with the proponent to collect relevant information about the Project's potential positive and adverse effects (direct and incidental), as well as the mitigation and monitoring measures
  • Submit comments to the Agency on the Impact Statement
  • Emails
  • Online comments
  • Meetings, information sessions and/or workshops
  • Posting of relevant documents and Notices on the Registry website
  • Public notice or news release, and social media

Phase 3: Impact Assessment

Objectives

  • Increase public awareness of the impact assessment process
  • Obtain comments / views on the Agency's draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions
  • Notify public of key steps in the process such as the comment period on the draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions

Timeline: Up to 300 days (excluding any timeline extension)

  • The Agency administers participant funding throughout the Impact Assessment Phase
  • The Agency posts draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions on the Registry website and sends notification emails to the Public Participation Plan distribution list
  • The Agency holds a comment period on the draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions. The comments will assist in finalizing the Agency's recommendation to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
  • The Agency hosts information sessions, with a question and answer session, to support the public's understanding of the impact assessment process and seeks comments on the draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions
  • Participate in information sessions, with a question and answer session to discuss and share comments and feedback on the draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions
  • Participate in proponent presentation on identified issues, addressing project concerns and explaining mitigation and monitoring measures
  • Submit comments to the Agency on the draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions
  • Submit comments to the Agency on the Project's potential adverse effects; on the integration of any community knowledge; and proposed mitigation or accommodation measures
  • Emails
  • Online comment
  • Meetings, information sessions and/or workshops
  • Posting of relevant documents and Notices on the Registry website
  • Public notice or news release, and social media

Phase 4: Decision

Objectives

  • Inform the public about the Decision Statement issued by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
  • Increase awareness of the Decision Statement, including reasons for the public interest determination

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 Governor in Council (excluding any timeline extension)

  • The Agency posts on the Registry website the final Impact Assessment Report, the Decision Statement, including the reasons for the public interest determination, and sends notification emails to the Public Participation Plan distribution list
  • Receive notification of the public interest determination and the issuance of the Decision Statement
  • Posting of relevant documents and Notices on the Registry website
  • Notifications sent by email
  • Public notice or news release, and social media

Phase 5: Post-Decision

Objectives: if the project is approved

  • Post-decision follow-up, monitoring activities and results from follow-up program on the Registry website
  • Obtain comments on potential amendments to the Decision Statement, should an amendment be required

Timeline: Begins after the Decision Statement is issued, and then is ongoing

  • The Agency conducts compliance and enforcement activities consistent with the Compliance Promotion and Enforcement Policy for designated projects subject to the IAA and posts results as per section 152 of the IAA on the Registry website
  • The Agency may engage participants in the impact assessment process to seek their views on the outcomes of the proponent's follow-up program
  • The Agency engages on potential amendments to the Decision Statement, should an amendment be required
  • Submit comments to the Agency on potential amendments to the Decision Statement, should an amendment be required
  • Participate in the proponent's follow-up program, if applicable, as per the requirements set out in the Decision Statement
  • Monitor follow-up program outcomes of interest by reviewing relevant documents on the Registry website, and submit their views to the Agency, if applicable
  • If the public has reason to believe that there has been a contravention of the IAA, please report it to the Agency at: enforcement-applicationdelaloi@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. All other inquiries about post-decision activities should be directed to postdecision@iaac-aeic.gc.ca
  • Emails
  • Online comments
  • Posting of relevant documents and Notices on the Registry website
  • Public notice or news release, and social media

* All comments received throughout Agency-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/83857?culture=en-CA. A summary of comments received will also be included in the Impact Assessment Report.

7. Participant funding

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

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

8. How to submit comments

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/83857?culture=en-CA). 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 Crawford@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Comments and other documents received by the Agency 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:

Crawford Nickel Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Ontario Regional Office
Crawford@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Appendix 1

Public Participation Plan Distribution List

Municipalities

  • Black River-Matheson (Township of)
  • Cochrane (Town of)
  • Iroquois Falls (Town of)
  • Smooth Rock Falls (Town of)
  • Timmins (City of)

Educational institutions

  • Algoma University
  • Collège Boréal
  • Northern College
  • Université de Hearst

Social services and healthcare organizations

  • Cochrane District Social Planning Council
  • Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board
  • Ellevive
  • Ininew Friendship Centre
  • MICs Group of Health Services
  • Porcupine Health Unit
  • Smooth Rock Falls Hospital
  • Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group
  • Timmins and Area Women in Crisis
  • Timmins Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee
  • Timmins and District Hospital
  • Timmins Native Friendship Centre
  • Timmins Opioid Emergency Response Task Force

Employment and skills training

  • Abitibi Institute
  • Far North East Training Board
  • NORCAT

Commerce and economic development

  • Black River-Matheson Chamber of Commerce
  • Cochrane Board of Trade
  • Iroquois Falls and District Chamber of Commerce
  • Smooth Rock Falls Economic Development Corporation
  • Timmins Chamber of Commerce
  • Timmins Economic Development Corporation
  • Venture Center (The)

Community groups and organizations

  • Cochrane Local Citizens Committee
  • Fierte Timmins Pride
  • Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre
  • Timmins and District Multicultural Centre
  • Timmins Community Development Committee
  • Timmins Local Citizens Committee

Recreation, cottage, and tourism

  • Big Water Campground
  • Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Association (FOCA)
  • Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO)
  • Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Zone C
  • Polar Bear Riders (Cochrane) Snowmobile Club
  • Timmins Fur Council
  • Timmins Snowmobile Club

Environment and wildlife

  • Canadian Environmental Law Association
  • Friends of the Porcupine River Watershed
  • Mattagami Region Conservation Authority
  • Mining Watch Canada
  • Northern Claybelt Complex Conservation Reserve
  • Northwatch
  • Ontario Nature
  • Ontario Rivers Alliance
  • Wildlands League
  • Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada

Energy, mining and forestry

  • Abitibi River Forest Management Inc.
  • Boralex
  • Glencore Kidd Mine
  • H2O Power
  • Ontario Power Generation

Tribal councils

  • Algonquin Anishinabe Nation Tribal Council
  • Mushkegowuk Council
  • Wabun Tribal Council
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