Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — November 26, 2020 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided that an impact assessment is required for the Wasamac Gold Mine Project (the Project) located in Quebec.

In accordance subsection 16(2) of 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. 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;
  • and 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 Impact Assessment Act. It applies to projects designated under the IAA.

The Agency is not aware of any other relevant regional or strategic assessments, or any relevant studies conducted or plans prepared by another jurisdiction in respect of the region in which the Project would be located.

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.

Wasamac Gold Mine Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
901-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue
(Quebec), QC G1J 0C1
Telephone: 418-254-2435
Email: iaac.wasamac.aeic@canada.ca
Canadian Impact Assessment Registry
Wasamac Gold Mine project

Document Reference Number: 38

Date modified: