April 16–17, 2025
Pre-Conference Workshops: April 15, 2025
Hotel Arts | Calgary, Alberta
13th National Symposium
Cumulative Effects Assessment and Environmental Management
Canada’s Flagship Cumulative Effects Assessment and Environmental Management Conference
2025 Conference Highlights:
Cutting-edge knowledge and networking opportunities
EARN CPD CREDITS
ç Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives: Best practices, new case studies and strategies in managing cumulative environmental impacts.
ç Ethical Resource Development and Regulatory Process: While ensuring that Indigenous perspectives, priorities, and community needs are at the forefront of discussions, from land management to resource development impacts.
ç Meaningful Engagement and Collaboration: Creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among Indigenous voices, government representatives, and industry leaders.
PLUS! Participate in our pre-conference workshops on April 15, 2025.
WORKSHOP A Navigating Indigenous Engagement in the Assessment Process Clock 9:00 am–12:30 pm
WORKSHOP B
Incorporating Climate Change Considerations in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) Clock 1:00 pm–4:30 pm
Distinguished Faculty
CO-CHAIR
Kay-Lee Eckhard
Indigenous Relations Liaison Canada West Land
George Hegmann
VP Environmental Services Stantec
SPEAKERS
Dr. Lauren Arnold
Project Manager
The UBC Centre for Environmental Assessment Research, Okanagan Campus
Dave Brescia
Technical Discipline Lead, Assessment & Permitting, Senior Principal, Environmental Services Stantec
Kent Bretzlaff
Executive Director Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board
Paul-Antoine Cardin Researcher
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE)
Raymond Cardinal Regional Director International Association for Impact Assessment –Western & Northern Canada
Judy Desjarlais Founder Top Notch Oilfield Construction Ltd.
Mary Denechezhe
Chairperson of Board of Directors Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Office
Jesse Dirom
Director Indigenous Relationships & Partnerships Vertex Resource Group Ltd.
Heather Exner-Pirot
Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Brad Gilmour Partner, Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Jennifer Grant Director, Cumulative Effects Implementation BC Energy Regulator
Bruce Hanbidge Strategic Advisor Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Office
Dr. Durdana Islam Project Director, Climate Planner Narratives Inc.
Kate Kempton Senior Counsel Woodward and Company LLP
Justin McKeown Senior Advisor, Indigenous Consultation Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Jeff Rempel Director, Impact Assessment & Permitting Two Worlds Consulting
Legal Accreditation
EARN CPD CREDITS
This 2-day conference program can be applied towards 7 hours of substantive hours of annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as required by the Law Society of Ontario. Members will also receive an additional 3 substantive hours at each pre-conference workshop.
The same number of hours may be applied to your continuing legal educational requirements in British Columbia.
Tammy Rosner
Ecologist, Water Quality Modeller Four Elements Consulting Ltd.
Somia Sadiq Founder, Principal Partner Narratives Inc.
Sharon Singh Partner and Cohead of Indigenous and Environment Practices McMillan LLP
Ron Stevenson Counsel Juristes Power Law
Dale Swampy President National Coalition of Chiefs
Kim Walters Cumulative Effects Advisor Tsawwassen First Nation
Desirée Thériault Partner, Senior Landscape Designer Narratives Inc.
Chief Roy Whitney Main Chief Tsuut’ina Nation
Sheila Williams Manager, Treaty Rights and Title Tsawwassen First Nation
Barry J. Wilson Systems Ecologist & Paraglider Pilot CE Analytic Ltd.
Danielle Wilson Executive Director Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE)
The Barreau du Québec recognizes this training activity, the latter having been accredited by another Law Society subject to the MCLE. For Alberta lawyers, consider including this course as a CPD learning activity in your mandatory annual Continuing Professional Development Plan as required by the Law Society of Alberta.
Members of the Law Society of Saskatchewan seeking accreditation for an out of province activity are requested to submit the CPD Activity Application Form and agenda directly to the LSS for approval.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Tuesday, April 15,
2025
9:00 am–12:30 pm (Registration opens at 8:30 am)
Workshop A: Navigating Indigenous Engagement in the Assessment Process
Indigenous engagement is an imperative priority for most organizations. However, Indigenous engagement in the assessment process can seem complex if you do not have an established relationship with the Indigenous community where you are conducting the assessment or do not possess advanced knowledge about the region or territory.
This workshop will equip attendees with actionable strategies on how to best partner with Indigenous communities during the entire assessment process. The workshop facilitators will share how to create meaningful engagement and long-term partnerships that advance economic reconciliation. In this interactive workshop, topics of discussion will include:
• Building meaningful and long-term partnerships from project approval to completion
• Sharing best practices for successful projects
Jesse Dirom Director Indigenous Relationships & Partnerships Vertex Resource Group Ltd.
• Strategies and definitions for incorporating a holistic approach in environmental assessments
• Creating practical solutions for Indigenous peoples, industry proponents, and government partners
• Incorporating local Indigenous knowledge in the assessment process
1:00 pm–4:30 pm (Registration Opens at 12:30 pm)
Workshop B: Incorporating Climate Change Considerations in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
As climate change continues to contribute to environmental impacts, incorporating climate change considerations in EIAs will become essential for accurate assessments going forward.
This workshop will provide attendees with advanced knowledge and strategies for incorporating climate considerations into Environmental Assessment Impacts. Topics of discussion will include:
• Reviewing case studies from regions that have successfully incorporated climate change considerations into their EIAs
• Assessing the practical importance of climate change considerations in environmental assessments
• Determining how to make informed climate decisions at the outset to avoid impacts later
• Examining the cumulative impacts of industrial development in climate change
Dr. Durdana Islam Project Director, Climate Planner Narratives Inc.
Somia Sadiq
Founder, Principal Partner Narratives Inc.
DAY ONE
Wednesday, April 16,
2025
8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 Indigenous Blessing
9:05 Welcome and Opening Remarks from the Event Chairperson George Hegmann
Kay-Lee Eckhard
Relations Liaison
9:15 Seeking Common Ground in Impact Assessment (IA) and Cumulative Effects: Comparing Western Science-based Biophysical and Human Environment IA with Indigenous Interests Assessment
Canada’s Impact Assessment Act (SC 2019) requires an intentional focus on assessing project effects on Indigenous Interests. Proponents and their consultants may default to familiar approaches to assessing impacts using Western science to predict potential biophysical and socio-economic effects of project components and activities. This may include cursory treatment of Indigenous inputs designed to assure concordance with regulatory requirements rather than meaningfully applying Indigenous knowledge to the assessment of potential effects. Instead, there is an opportunity for IA practitioners to rethink assessment processes, including Indigenous-led and collaborative authorship models, and to reframe assessments to meet IAA requirements in ways that demonstrate the consideration of rigorous scientific information alongside shared Indigenous knowledge. These innovations, combined with GBA+, ecosystem and other approaches, will improve assessments and make them more holistic in nature and informative for decision-makers.
Assessments can be structured to plan for and optimize the flow of information among Indigenous Interests and linked biophysical and human environment components.
Topics of discussion may include best practices and situational-specific approaches for effectively applying Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science for:
• Protecting Indigenous knowledge and permissions for its application
• Indigenous-led assessment
• Collaborative assessment and authorship
Raymond Cardinal Regional Director
International Association for Impact Assessment –Western & Northern Canada
Sharon Singh Partner and Cohead of Indigenous and Environment Practices McMillan LLP
Moderator:
Jeff Rempel
Director, Impact Assessment & Permitting Two Worlds Consulting
• Selecting and defining Indigenous Interests and linked biophysical and human environment valued components
• Determining suitable assessment boundaries
• Establishing baseline conditions and assessing residual effects, including cumulative residual effects
10:00 Managing Cumulative Effects with Indigenous Engagement and Economic Development
Judy Desjarlais Founder Top Notch Oilfield Construction Ltd.
11:00 Indigenous Collaboration on Monitoring Initiatives for Predictable Results
Indigenous knowledge has been an effective driver of innovation in impact assessment. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has been collaborating closely with Indigenous groups to participate in knowledge sharing and monitoring initiatives for predictable results. Topics of discussion will include:
• CNSC-led and funded cumulative effects monitoring initiatives
• How Indigenous knowledge guides monitoring and sampling
Justin
McKeown Senior Advisor, Indigenous Consultation Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
• How collaboration with Indigenous Nations and communities has led to increased understanding of the impacts of industrial activity
11:30 Lessons Learned from Amendments to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA)
The Impact Assessment Act was amended a year ago with the goal of streamlining efficiency and ensuring the Act was more constitutionally sound. The amendments aim to promote substitution of the federal impact process with other equivalent provincial processes where applicable and to further clarify the parameters for when an impact assessment is required. Topics of discussion will include:
• Defining what impacts constitute adverse effects within federal jurisdiction
Ron Stevenson Counsel Juristes Power Law
• Debating if removing GHG emissions from federal impact assessments has expedited project approvals
• Examining if deference to provincial impact assessments in certain areas may reduce inter-provincial trade barriers
12:15
Luncheon
Following the Supreme Court of Canada’s (SCC)’s decision on Bill C-69 to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, and to amend the Navigation Protection Act, the federal government's role in provincial environmental matters was deemed to be unconstitutional. Amendments by the federal government were made to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) in April 2024 which granted additional powers to the federal government to review and potentially prohibit major infrastructure projects. Are these amendments unconstitutional or do they serve a greater role in helping Canada achieve its climate objectives? Topics of discussion will include:
• Defining which projects are within provincial jurisdiction
• Examining how other provinces are navigating the Impact Assessment Act
• Outlining challenges, opportunities, and solutions of the Impact Assessment Act
Brad Gilmour
Partner, Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
DAY 1 Wednesday, April 16
2:00 Incorporating Indigenous Perspectives on Cumulative Effects in Guiding Assessments of Value
Indigenous involvement in cumulative effects regulations and processes varies by region. Ignoring or having inadequate understanding of Indigenous perspectives on cumulative effects information in Impact Assessments may lead to an unsuccessful project and have significant impacts on Indigenous communities. Many laws, regulations, and policies are industry specific and cumulative effects help to capture combined effects of all projects regardless of size and jurisdiction. Topics of discussion will include:
• Explaining why a province-wide or territory-wide approach considering Indigenous ancestral territories is more effective than localized approaches
• Explaining the need to look at cumulative effects in a holistic way
• Clarifying why CEA, including Indigenous perspectives, should be an integral part of, and not separate from, both in-country and international IA processes
• Defining the importance of strategic planning efforts in managing for cumulative effects
2:45 Refreshments and Networking Break
Jennifer Grant Director, Cumulative Effects Implementation BC Energy Regulator
Danielle Wilson
Executive Director
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE)
Paul-Antoine Cardin Researcher
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE)
3:15 Assessing the Benefits of Co-management in the Environmental Assessment Process
Co-management in Canada refers to agreements between government agencies and representatives of Indigenous peoples to jointly make land use and resource management decisions about a tract of government-controlled land or resource. Most impact assessments are led by project proponents which can pose challenges as many proponents do not reside in the community where the assessment will occur. As a result, the environmental impacts may be deemed more significant by community residents. Comanagement may provide a solution to the cognitive dissonance that can sometimes occur as agreements are made jointly between governments and Indigenous peoples.
Topics of discussion will include:
• Assessing the benefits of co-management in creating a more holistic approach
• Significance determination and establishing who determines how significant the impact is
• Overcoming potential bias in the assessment process and managing expectations
• Examining jurisdictions that have adopted co-management effectively and strategically
Kate Kempton Senior Counsel
Woodward and Company LLP
Somia Sadiq Founder, Principal Partner Narratives Inc.
Desirée Thériault Partner, Senior Landscape Designer Narratives Inc.
4:00 Defining the Roles and Responsibilities for the Cumulative Effects Process
Environmental assessments do not solve all environmental problems as many projects do not fall into the environmental process including forestry, agriculture, and energy transition projects. With multiple stakeholders often involved in environmental projects, defining the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in the cumulative effects process has become more important than ever. Topics of discussion will include:
• Defining the role of the regulator in the cumulative effects process
• Determining how parties can collaborate effectively during the legal process of cumulative effects
• Examining lessons learned from jurisdictions that have clearly defined roles and responsibilities
4:30 Day One Closing Remarks and Conference Adjourns to Day Two
Dave Brescia
Technical Discipline Lead, Assessment & Permitting, Senior Principal, Environmental Services Stantec
Kent Bretzlaff
Executive Director
Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board
Heather Exner-Pirot
Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
Macdonald-Laurier Institute
DAY TWO
Thursday,
April 17, 2025
8:00 Registration and continental breakfast
8:45 Opening Remarks from the Conference Chair
George Hegmann VP Environmental Services Stantec
8:50 Keynote Address
9:15
Kay-Lee Eckhard Indigenous Relations Liaison Canada West Land
Dale Swampy President National Coalition of Chiefs
How to Practically Address Cumulative Effects
Resource development is a significant economic driver of Canada’s economy accounting for nearly a quarter of all economic activity and supporting over a fifth of all jobs.
However, resource development must be done ethically to minimize the cumulative effects of development over time. As standardized guidelines do not currently exist, practical methods for addressing cumulative effects are becoming more desired as practitioners navigate environmental stewardship and regulatory processes. Topics of discussion will include:
• Examining how to address cumulative effects practically during resource development
• Adopting holistic approaches to allow development while preserving the environment
• Establishing safe minimum standards and implementing adaptive management processes
• Addressing environmental concerns that arise during and after the project approval process
Tammy Rosner Ecologist, Water Quality Modeller Four Elements Consulting Ltd.
Barry J. Wilson
Systems Ecologist & Paraglider Pilot CE Analytic Ltd.
10:00 Coffee and Networking Break
10:30 Tsawwassen
First Nation's Impact Assessment Framework: A Values-Centred Approach
Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a modern Treaty Nation situated located in the Greater Vancouver area of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia. Recognizing some limitations in impact assessment frameworks, the nation elected to collaborate with the University of British Columbia to develop a specialized TFN Impact Assessment Framework. Topics of discussion will include:
• Outlining how the framework will serve as a guiding tool for all future assessments of major projects involving TFN
• Examining the comprehensive development process that will involve community engagement through interviews, focus groups, and workshop
• Explaining the challenges and lessons learned from this unique impact assessment framework
Kim Walters Cumulative Effects Advisor Tsawwassen First Nation
Sheila Williams Manager, Treaty Rights and Title Tsawwassen First Nation
Dr. Lauren Arnold
Project Manager
The UBC Centre for Environmental Assessment Research, Okanagan Campus
11:15 Summary of Cumulative Effects in the Athabasca Dene Traditional Territory (Nuhenene) of Northern Saskatchewan
The boreal forest region occupies the northern third of the province of Saskatchewan. It is the home range of the least fragmented population of woodland caribou in Canada, it is the homeland of the Athabasca Denesųłiné people, and it contains the Athabasca Basin, which is the site of intensive and expanding exploration and extraction of uranium and rare earth metals. Due to insufficient control of cumulative effects by government and industry; the Woodland Caribou (WLC), the overall ecological integrity of the area and the Denesųłiné culture are increasingly under threat.
This informative session will provide key updates on a definitive study conducted by the Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Office on the Federal Woodland Caribou Recovery Plan. Topics of discussion will include:
• Conclusions from management on the study’s findings
• Assessing the environmental impacts on the woodland caribou in the region
Bruce Hanbidge
Strategic Advisor
Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Office
Mary Denechezhe
Chairperson of Board of Directors
Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Office
• Examining what the study will investigate further and how vegetation in the area may be fixed
12:00 Networking Luncheon
1:00 Environmental Funding Programs for Advancing Capital Projects
Navigating the many environmental funding options for Canadian capital projects can be challenging due to the numerous options available. As Canada’s resource economy expands and projects become more complex, finding the right funding program will be essential to establish a competitive advantage. Topics of discussion will include:
• Examining what investors look at to fund green or responsible projects
• Reviewing the important requirements for projects to receive funding
• Discussing the future of funding environmental projects in Canada 1:45: Coffee and Networking Break
2:00 Interactive Roundtables: Building Knowledge, Connections, and Solutions
These interactive roundtables offer attendees the chance to dive deep into key topics, gain valuable insights, and exchange ideas with peers. With expert-led discussions, participants will uncover actionable strategies and best practices critical to cumulative effects and Canada’s most pressing environmental issues.
Roundtable 1: Overall Issues with Cumulative Effects in Canada
This roundtable will explore and debate some of the key issues affecting cumulative effects in Canada. Attendees will get to share their unique perspectives on the issues closely affecting them and the group will attempt to provide common solutions to some of the more pressing issues involving cumulative effects.
Roundtable 2: Wildfire and Land Recovery Management
Facilitator:
George Hegmann
VP Environmental Services
Stantec
Climate change has impacted all regions of Canada making wildfire and land recovery management plans an essential component of environmental management and disaster relief. This roundtable will examine wildfire and flood mitigation strategies and equip attendees with action plans for creating post-fire and post-flood recovery plans for creating resilient communities.
3:00 Closing Remarks from the Conference Chair and Conference Concludes
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Please note that the guest room block cut-off date is March 14, 2025. After that date OR when the room block fills, guestroom availability and rate can no longer be guaranteed.
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