WCS Canada comments in response to Canada's Critical Minerals List and methodology
Why it's important:
The Critical Minerals List has a critical role in prioritizing and advancing project development, which creates a high potential for a significantly larger material footprint resulting from the growth-inducing social and environmental impacts associated with the escalation of such activities.
What we want to see:
1) commit to a strategic assessment of Critical Minerals with the release of the updated List;
2) bolster the criteria to incorporate environmental and social sustainability, with attention to federal jurisdiction and climate commitments;
3) publish an updated List with information on its purpose and relevant mineral characteristics; and
4) include experts and civil society organizations in targeted consultations regarding criteria and their application.
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WCS Canada response to Draft BC Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework
Why it's important:
This framework indicates a refreshing willingness by the BC government to take responsibility, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, for transformative actions that will benefit biodiversity, ecosystem health, climate and people.
What we want to see:
Clear details on the design and major changes needed to implement the framework
A coherent approach involving all relevant BC government ministries.
New and revised laws co-developed with Indigenous Nations, and not in conflict with existing laws
Improved definitions of key terms, specifically "ecosystem health", "ecological integrity" and "adaptive management".
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WCS Canada comments in response to Patriot Lithium (Canada) Inc. mineral exploration permit
As part of our work, we have been tracking mineral claims in Ontario since 2013, and mineral exploration permits since 2016. We have previously commented on specific mineral exploration permits. We have also recently started sharing maps of new proposed mineral exploration permits, to make it easier for people to see where mineral exploration is proposed in relation to existing mining activity and other ecological and cultural values (https://www.facebook.com/MineralTrackerON/). We wanted to provide the comment to the Ministry that there appears to be significant concern from the local communities opposing this particular permit application, based on the response to the map we created for this proposed mineral exploration permit.
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WCS Canada comments on proposed changes to Ontario’s mineral exploration plans and permits regime
WCS Canada has been tracking mineral claims in Ontario since 2013, and mineral exploration permits since 2016. We are familiar with the scope and extent of mineral claims and early mineral exploration in Ontario, and with the inadequacies of the processes for finding information about the location and ownership of mineral claims, exploration permits, and plans. We support an updated approach to Ontario’s mineral exploration plans and permits regime. Our overarching recommendation is that all changes to Ontario’s mineral exploration plans and permits regime must serve to: 1) Improve consultation processes with Indigenous People; 2) Increase transparency of updates about mineral exploration plans and permits regime for the public; and 3) Make it easier for Ontario, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders to track and manage cumulative impacts of mineral exploration.
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Letter to Prime Minister re IAA amendments
Expert letter regarding strengthening federal impact assessment and regulatory efficiency, with recommendations on amendments to the Impact Assessment Act (2019) following the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent opinion on the constitutionality of the Impact Assessment Act. A majority of the Court identified four elements of the Act that require amendment in order to bring the Act into conformity with the Constitution. We believe that these amendments can be drafted in a way that largely preserves informed decision making and helps Canada contribute to sustainability and meet its climate and biodiversity targets.
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