Notice of Opinion on Whether an Impact Assessment is Required

Ottawa – March 22, 2024 – The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is of the opinion that an impact assessment is warranted for the Great Bear Gold Project (the project) proposed by Kinross Gold Corporation (the proponent), located in Ontario.

In applying the measures outlined in the Statement on the Interim Administration of the Impact Assessment Act Pending Legislative Amendments, the Agency has considered the following:

• the Detailed Project Description, and the Response to the Summary of Issues, as submitted by the proponent;
• 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 Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;

• comments received by the Agency from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the project, as reflected in the Summary of Issues; and
• the October 13, 2023, decision of the Supreme Court of Canada on the constitutionality of the Impact Assessment Act.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the opinion that the project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including effects on fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, and Indigenous Peoples. Potential effects on Indigenous Peoples include changes to health, social, and economic conditions, as well as impacts on physical and cultural heritage, current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, and any structure, site or thing of historical or archaeological significance. As a result, the Agency is of the opinion that an impact assessment is warranted for the project.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Great Bear Gold Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
55 York Street, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON M5J 1R7
Telephone: 416-952-1576
Email: GreatBear@iaac-aeic.gc.ca