Proposal to Update the Statement of the Environment Values for the Ministry of Energy and Mines

The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) is proposing to update its Statement of Environmental Values (SEV) to reflect its current mandate and structure as one ministry (MEM) formerly the Ministry of Energy (ENERGY) and Ministry of Mines (MINES). 

The Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993 (EBR) establishes mechanisms to ensure the public is informed, engaged and consulted on matters of environmental significance, as well as to provide for government accountability in environmental decision-making.

The EBR requires that ministries prescribed under the Act develop and publish a SEV specific to their work. A SEV is a ministry’s statement of environmental principles and a guidance document directing the Minister and ministry staff as they make decisions regarding policies, acts, regulations and instruments that might significantly affect the environment.

This proposal will consolidate the former SEVs into one comprehensive statement that reflects MEM’s integrated responsibilities in energy and mining, clarify how environmental purposes are applied in decision-making, and support transparency and accountability.

Key Changes to the SEV

• The mandate reflects both energy and mines-related responsibilities.  
• Content from section four, “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”, has merged with section three, “Application of the SEV” and includes statements related to building resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Section three organizes the SEV’s application with respect to the energy and mining sectors, and introduces considerations related to advancing energy efficiency, mineral exploration and development, evaluating long-term mining projects and comparing climate change impacts between emission intensive and non-intensive energy resources.

Additional materials are attached.

The ministry will consider all feedback received.