Gatineau, QC, Canada – October 10, 2025 – Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed project, the Increase Gains in Nutrition by Integration, Education, Evaluation and Empowerment (IGNIT3), is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• The selection of Health Care Facilities (HCF) took into consideration potential environmental impacts based on the types of interventions required, presence of water bodies, such as reservoirs and rivers, risks of flooding, and water quality. For the six selected HCFs, environmental impact assessments were conducted, and mitigation measures were planned for all identified potential impacts.
• It was established that the construction and rehabilitation of facilities may have minor environmental impacts; these will be mitigated though various measures outlined in the EIA report. The target area is not prone to floods, typhoons, or earthquakes, indicating no significant risks of the environment on the project. The negative environmental impacts of operation of the new and rehabilitated facilities at the six HCFs will not have any significant negative impacts on the environment after the proposed mitigated measures are applied.
• The management of HCFs will focus on routine septic tank de-sludging, raising awareness among HCF personnel, particularly support staff, about appropriate handling, consistent upkeep, and cleanliness of the facilities and supplies. This includes managing hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and the use and maintenance of incineration equipment.
• HCF administration will oversee operations and maintenance of the facilities and equipment constructed and installed during the project. The HCFs administration will coordinate with Health Department for the provision of resources necessary for the operation and maintenance of the facilities in future.

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Global Affairs Canada may provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.