Project Scope 

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Scope of Project:

 Proposed Title: Accountability in Environmental Protection through the Environmental Assessment Process:  A comparative analysis of the roles and responsibilities of Authorities in the Northwest Territories.

The ISSUE:

The NWT has been witnessed to increased development activities (specifically the region of the Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta) and is subject to various environmental impacts from projects.    The challenge of balancing environmental protection with development has been a challenge for the NWT.   The environmental impact assessment process, a key decision-making tool and planning tool, exists to avoid, mitigate, and manage environmental impacts of projects. However the process alone has not been able to achieve the desired results and under scrutiny for its deficiencies in actual environmental protection and not being able to address cumulative effects.   This report will investigate why this is occurring through a comparative analysis of various Responsible Authorities by comparing 1) their role and responsibility guided by CEAA and other pertinent legislation 2) their methods to screen, review and authorize projects. Through the comparative analysis of Responsible Authorities, gaps in environmental protection will be determined through identifying what missing links and loopholes exist. The report will conclude by addressing possible solutions to the issue through implementation Regional Environmental Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment in addition to Environmental Impact Assessment process in the Northwest Territories.