BSStRPA Interview Preamble and Questions

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Mr. Pierce,

My name is Rada Vukovic and I am a graduate student from McGill University in the Environmental Assessment program.  As of current, I am conducting research for an academic paper in collaboration with Environment Canada (EC) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) – GeoConnections’ program on Integrated Landscape Management.   The research area of concentration is related to environmental assessment administration in the Northwest Territories. The purpose of the research paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of pertinent legislation, roles and responsibilities of authorities, and practice to determine any gaps that exist. The research paper will also examine the scope and role of Environmental Impact Assessment, Regional Environmental Assessment, and Strategic Environmental Assessment.

It would be of great appreciation, if you would be able to participate in an interview/questionnaire. Your participation will assist in strengthening the research by providing validity and insight into other dimensions, perhaps not taken into consideration.  As for the interview/questionnaire, the questions revolve around BSSTRPA’s experience with environmental assessment practices and cover the following themes: Roles and responsibilities of authorities; collaboration procedures; general administration processes, the role of legislation and cumulative effects assessment; and lastly of regional and strategic environmental assessment.  The interview will conclude with an opportunity for you to ask any questions

I have attached the questionnaire for your information. If you are interested to contribute to our study, I would welcome the opportunity to compile your input in whatever form is most convenient to you. You may respond in writing to me at your convenience, or I would be pleased to document your input through a telephone interview.  The expected duration of a phone interview would be approximately one hour. I will then follow-up via email with the progress and results of study.

The results of the interview will be assessed and compiled by myself, and reviewed by my advisors Dr. Mark Curtis (McGill University), Dr. Livia Bizikova (IISD), and Dr. Ruth Waldick (EC).  Our hope is that the results will ultimately be published in a peer-reviewed journal. In addition, the information will be used to contribute to my final research project paper (non-thesis). Personal information, such as your name, position and contact information will be kept confidential unless you wish to grant permission to be named. Your participation is voluntary and you may decline to answer any question and/or withdraw from the interview at anytime.  

Consent:  I wish to be identified in the report   ____YES     ___NO

                 I agree to be tape-recorded ____YES ____NO

                 I grant permission to use direct quotes with or without attribution ____YES ___NO

                 I allow my organization to be identified in the report  ____ YES ___ NO

                 I have read the above information and I agree to participate in this study

                 Signature:   ____________________________           Researcher’s signature: ________________________

                 Name: ________________________________           Date: ____________________

Sincerely,

Rada Vukovic

Project Researcher

M.Sc Renewable Resources (Non-Thesis) Environmental Assessment Candidate

McGill University, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Address:  324 Melrose Street, Etobicoke, ON  M8Z 1G8

Email: Rada.Vukovic@mail.mcgill.ca | Mobile: 647-984-7232 | Fax: 416-253-0384

In Collaboration with:

 Interview Questionnaire

CONTACT INFORMATION (for record purposes):

First Name: ___________________   Last Name:________________________       Date:_________________

 Position Title:_____________________________________________________________________________

 Organization:_____________________________________________________________________________

 Email:__________________________________ Telephone:________________________________________

QUESTIONNAIRE:

Please answer as many questions as possible. If you are not able to answer the question please indicate why:
Not Aware | Confidential Information | Not Applicable | Other _____________

1.           Why does the BSSTRPA only consider oil and gas developments?

2.           How will all the goals and objectives be implemented and addressed in environmental impact assessments?

3.           What enforcement measures exist to ensure compliance?

4.           Are there other considerations that need to be examine in this study?

5.           Do you have any additional comments and suggestions?