Draft for external use – Summer 2019
Key Definitions (cont.)
Effects within federal jurisdiction
Effects within federal jurisdiction are clearly defined in section 2 of the Impact Assessment Act.
In general, they are effects related to a physical activity or a designated project that change:
(a) environmental components within the legislative authority of Parliament such as fish, other aquatic
species or migratory birds;
(b) the environment on federal lands, in another province or outside Canada;
(c) the environment in a way that impacts Indigenous peoples of Canada through impacts to their
physical and cultural heritage, their current use of lands and resources for traditional
purposes, or any structure, site or thing that is of historical, archaeological, paleontological or
architectural significance;
(d) the health, social or economic conditions of the Indigenous peoples of Canada; and
(e) a health, social or economic matter that is within the legislative authority of Parliament
Impact assessment
impact assessment means an assessment of the effects of a designated project that is
conducted in accordance with this Act.
Sustainability
the ability to protect the environment, contribute to the social and economic well-being of the people of
Canada and preserve their health in a manner that benefits present and future generations.
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