e-2803 (Environment)
Original language of petition: English
Petition to the House of Commons
- TC Energy has proposed an open-loop system. In an open-looped system, there is an ongoing hydrologic connection to a natural body of water, in this case, Georgian Bay. This type of system maximizes the potential environmental harm since it causes an enormous cycling of water to and from the natural body of water. This cycling of water impacts the aquatic environment;
- The plant requires electricity to operate even though it produces electricity so it is not as "green" as TC Energy boasts; and
- This project puts much wildlife and fish at risk of being harmed. In the Action Plan of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the federal government has committed to protect wildlife species at risk and also the federal government has committed to implement the new pan-Canadian approach to wildlife health.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSON
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA).
- The federal process for assessments include the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health and social effects.
- The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the project by the proponent.
- Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities and all other interested participants, including provincial officials.
- Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html
- Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to the Agency’s Ontario region office via email at iaac.ontarioregion-regiondontario.aeic@canada.ca.
- Open for signature
- August 25, 2020, at 3:10 p.m. (EDT)
- Closed for signature
- September 24, 2020, at 3:10 p.m. (EDT)
- Presented to the House of Commons
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Alex Ruff
(Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound)
September 28, 2020 (Petition No. 432-00029) - Government response tabled
- November 16, 2020