Sustainability-Based Assessment Criteria and Associated Frameworks for Evaluations and Decisions: Theory, Practice and Implications for the Mackenzie Gas Project Review

Abstract

To assist the Joint Review Panel for the Mackenzie Gas Project, its staff and the parties to the review in preparing for and carrying out an environmental assessment review that applies a sustainability framework, this report discusses the nature and use of sustainability-based assessment criteria, and related means of applying a sustainability framework in the review of the Mackenzie Gas Project and its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The report describes the basic principles of sustainability assessment and the main approaches available for use in cases such as the Mackenzie Gas Project. It discusses how the generic requirements for sustainability can be combined with consideration of the major issues of the Mackenzie Gas Project case (insofar as these are evident from a general understanding of the nature of the proposed project, the history of deliberations on pipeline proposals and implications in the Mackenzie Valley area, and the broader context of hydrocarbon initiatives and northern development) to form a reasonably comprehensive framework for addressing contribution to sustainability in this Panel review. It also considers the major implications for trade-off evaluations and related judgements involved in reaching conclusions and making recommendations in this case.

Keywords: Sustainability Assessment, Sustainability Criteria, Trade-Offs, Mackenzie Gas Project, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act