Changes to the Yukon Regulatory Regime and the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA)

The Yukon and Nunavut Regulatory Improvement Act (YNRIA) includes improvements to the regulatory regime governing resource development in Yukon and Nunavut. These changes involved amendments to two existing pieces of legislation: the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) and the Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act (NWNSRTA).

All the changes to the YESAA came into force on June 18, 2015, when the YNRI received Royal Assent, and became law.

Highlights of Immediate Changes to YESAA

Before Bill S-6	New Features
Time Limits (In force now)
One project, multiple assessments and reviews No legislated time limits	"One project, one assessment" principle Fixed "beginning-to-end" time limits 9 month limit for Designated Office evaluations 16 month limit for Board executive committee screenings 15 month limit for Board panel reviews with 3 months to establish the panel Proponent time not included Re-assessment only when significant changes are made
Cost Recovery (In force now)
No cost recovery All costs borne by the Government of Canada	Regulation-making authority for a cost-recovery regime to recover assessment costs from proponents For example, costs related to: Review activities Public hearings Board travel Third party costs Aligns the Act with Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act.
Delegated Authority (In force now)
No delegated authority YESAB is an independent, arms-length body	Federal Minister may delegate certain authorities to the territorial government, within the framework of existing legislation and land claim agreements. YESAB remains an independent, arms-length body
Policy Direction (In force now)
No policy direction YESAB is an independent, arms-length body	Federal Minister may provide YESAB with policy direction, within the framework of existing legislation and land claim agreements. YESAB remains an independent, arms-length body
Project Authorization Renewals and Amendments (In force now)
One project, multiple assessments	"One project, one assessment" Further assessments may be waived for project renewals and amendments without significant changes to the project Decisions on significant change made on a case-by-case basis with relevant decision bodies for the project, all decision making bodies must agree

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Date modified:: 2015-06-19