Proposal throughout entire…

Suggested changes for the MENDM Statement of
Environmental Values

Proposal throughout entire SEV:
"that might/may SIGNIFICANTLY affect/impact the environment"

Problem:
"Significantly" doesn't indicate whether impacts are positive or negative.

Replace with:
"that might/may ADVERSELY affect/impact the environment"

------------------------

2. MINISTRY VISION, MANDATE AND BUSINESS
4. Mines

Proposal:
"ENDM promotes a strong, safe and sustainable minerals industry by providing a predictable and efficient regulatory regime, generating valuable geological information, supporting Indigenous participation and ensuring safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation."

Should be replaced with:
"ENDM promotes a strong, safe and sustainable minerals industry by providing a predictable and efficient regulatory regime, generating valuable geological information, supporting CONSULTATION and participation with the Indigenous, TOWNSHIPS, MUNICIPALITIES, AND COUNTIES, ensuring safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation."

------------------------

3. APPLICATION OF THE SEV
c. Mines, c.i.

Proposal:
"Sound environmental planning that recognizes mining as a temporary land use, replaced in the long term with alternative natural, recreational or commercial land use."

Replace with:
"Sound environmental planning that recognizes mining as a temporary land use, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE FEASIBLY replaced in the long-term with alternative natural, recreational or commercial land use."

Add from previous SEV version:

- "Eliminates long-term effects on the environment"
- "In co-operation with other ministries, minimizes environmental disturbances during all phases of mining, recognizing that prevention is more effective than remediation and rehabilitation of an environmental problem."

------------------------

6. CONSULTATION

Proposal:
"ENDM recognizes that assessing the impacts of decisions that may significantly affect the environment is best accomplished when affected communities, including Indigenous communities, are consulted."

Replace with:
"ENDM recognizes that assessing the impacts of decisions that may ADVERSELY affect the environment is best accomplished when affected communities, including Indigenous communities AND ALL LOWER TIER GOVERNMENTS, are consulted."

ENDM aspires to consult with affected communities in an open and transparent manner by:

Add:
- 4. "FORMAL WRITTEN NOTICE TO INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES AT THE EARLIEST PROPOSAL REQUEST FOR ALL PLANS AND PERMITS"
- 5. "FORMAL WRITTEN NOTICE TO ALL LOWER TIER GOVERNMENTS AT THE EARLIEST PROPOSAL REQUEST FOR ALL PLANS AND PERMITS"

------------------------

7. CONSIDERATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Proposal:
"When making decisions that might significantly affect the environment, the Ministry will provide opportunities for the engagement and involvement of Indigenous people and communities affected so that their broader interests can be considered appropriately. This commitment is not intended to alter or detract from any constitutional obligation the province may have with respect to the duty to consult."

Replace with
"When making decisions that might ADVERSELY affect the environment, the Ministry will provide opportunities for CONSULTATION, engagement and involvement of Indigenous people and communities affected AT THE EARLIEST PROPOSAL REQUEST so that their broader interests can be considered appropriately. This commitment is not intended to alter or detract from any constitutional obligation the province may have with respect to the duty to consult."