Public Notice
Regional Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling East of Newfoundland and Labrador — Call for Applications for the Regional Assessment Follow-up Program Advisory Committee

What is happening?

November 4, 2020 — The Government of Canada is proceeding with the development and implementation of a follow-up program for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling East of Newfoundland and Labrador, which will track and report on the progress of commitments outlined in the Ministerial Response to the Regional Assessment Committee's Report.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) invites applications for a new committee responsible for providing advice to government officials on the Regional Assessment (RA) Follow-up Program. The draft Terms of Reference for the RA Follow-up Program can be found on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry.

The RA Follow-up Program will ensure new and updated information is identified and examined on an annual basis to determine its applicability to offshore exploratory drilling and to ensure that the Regional Assessment remains current and valid into the future.

The Agency recognizes that it is more challenging to undertake meaningful public engagement and Indigenous consultation in light of the circumstances arising from COVID-19. The Agency continues to assess the situation with key stakeholders, make adjustments to consultation activities, and is providing flexibility as needed in order to prioritize the health and safety of all Canadians, while maintaining its duty to conduct meaningful engagement with interested groups.

Committee Roles and Responsibilities

Members will provide advice to government officials on the RA Follow-up Program. The selected members will review technical documents and consider new and emerging information that may contribute to the Agency updating the Regional Assessment.

The committee's chair will perform extra duties that could include chairing committee meetings and supporting the Agency in developing meeting agendas.

Members will meet three to four times a year. While COVID-19 restrictions are in place, meetings will take place online. Face-to-face meetings may resume in the future.

Composition of the committee

We are looking for individuals from differing backgrounds for the committee. One of these members will serve as committee chair. Membership terms will last for two to three years, with the potential for reappointment.

It is essential that the membership reflects diverse points of view. Indigenous groups, non-governmental organizations, the fishing industry, oil and gas industry, and the public all have important perspectives.

Eligibility

To be eligible, a nominee must meet at least one of the following essential criteria:

  • Experience participating in reviews of environmental assessments related to offshore drilling;
  • Knowledge of environmental issues relating to the impacts of exploratory offshore drilling;
  • Knowledge of socio-economic issues relating to the impacts of exploratory offshore drilling;
  • Indigenous knowledge and knowledge of Indigenous activities that relate to the marine environment.

Along with these criteria, the Agency may also consider the following assets:

  • Solid understanding of Geographic Information System (GIS) and its potential applications;
  • Experience chairing or taking part in advisory committees;
  • National and/or international recognition in the applicant's field(s) of expertise;
  • Strong applicable academic, professional and/or regulatory credentials;
  • Relevant publications or reports.

Selection Committee

Representatives from the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will assess and screen applicants. Applicants will be assessed on their merit, depth of knowledge, experience and how applicants fit within the eligibility criteria above. Members will be appointed by December 2020.

Remuneration

Committee members could be eligible for funding. These funds are given in recognition of the time it takes for members to prepare and take part in meetings. Approved travel expenses will also be covered for members. These expenses must be claimed in accordance with relevant Government of Canada policies. This includes the Treasury Board Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures.

Process and closing date for nominations

If you are interested in applying to become a member of the committee, please submit the following documents in either official language by email to iaac.followup-suivi.aeic@canada.ca no later than December 4, 2020:

  • Completed application form
  • Your CV, including information on:
    • Relevant experience, expertise and any publications or professional credentials; and
    • Contact information for two references.

Stay updated by following the Agency on Twitter: @IAAC_AEIC #NLOffshoreAssessment

What is the Regional Assessment?

The Regional Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling East of Newfoundland and Labrador was completed in February 2020. The assessment sought to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the assessment process for offshore exploratory drilling projects in the study area while at the same time ensuring that the highest standards of environmental protection continued to be applied and maintained. In response to the recommendations in the Regional Assessment Final Report, the Government of Canada is proceeding with the development and implementation of a RA Follow-up Program, which will track and report on the effectiveness of the government's commitments.

For more information on the Agency's privacy policies, consult the Privacy Notice on its website at canada.ca/iaac.

Document Reference Number: 261

Date modified: