News Release
Federal Funding Allocated to Participate in the Environmental Assessment - Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project

April 4, 2014 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has allocated a total of $162,262.80 to six applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project, located 250 kilometres off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Details of Allocation

Applicant	Allocation
KMK Negotiation Office	$41,750
Shubenacadie First Nation	$33,800
Woodstock First Nation	$34,160
Fort Folly First Nation	$34,962.80
Native Council of Nova Scotia, represented by the Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council	$7,425
Ecology Action Centre	$10,165
Total	$162,262.80

As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines for non-compliance.

Quick Facts

• This funding was made available to the public and Aboriginal groups through the Participant Funding Program administered by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. It will enable participation in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment, which include reviewing and providing comments on the Environmental Impact Statement and draft Environmental Assessment Report.
   
• More information on this project is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website, reference number 80058.
   
• The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

Associated Links

• Participant Funding Program (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
   
• Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
   
• Basics of Environmental Assessment (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
   
• Responsible Resource Development (Canada's Economic Action Plan)

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Contacts

Jennifer Kennedy
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Sofie McCoy-Astell
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-960-1519
Sofie.McCoy-Astell@ceaa-acee.gc.ca