Harnessing the power of wind can help deliver clean, affordable electricity to our homes and businesses, create jobs and local economic growth, and fight climate change for generations to come. Now is the time to secure that strong, healthy future for Canadians.
The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have launched the start of the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia. The members of the Committee responsible for conducting the assessment are Graham Daborn, Steve Parsons, Lorraine Whitman, Ann G. Wilkie and James Wooder.
The final Agreement between the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, along with the Terms of Reference for the Committee were released today. The Agreement and Terms of Reference outline how the assessment will be conducted, and sets out its goals, objectives, activities and planned outcomes, as well as key aspects of its governance and administration. Both documents were developed with input from the public, Indigenous Peoples, and environmental, fishing, academic, and industry organizations.
Under its Terms of Reference, the Committee now has 18 months to complete its work. During this time, it will engage with Indigenous Peoples, other organizations and the public, gather and analyse information and seek advice from advisory groups. It will then prepare a draft Regional Assessment Report for public review and comment, which will be finalized and submitted to the federal and provincial Ministers.
The main purpose of a regional assessment is to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of future impact assessments of projects that are subject to the Impact Assessment Act. In this case, the assessment will allow for early analysis of future wind development offshore of Nova Scotia, as well as its potential environmental, health, social and economic effects and benefits. This will help inform planning and decision-making for future wind projects in the study area.
