Executive Council Office

The Development Assessment Process

There are four main phases in Yukon's development assessment process:

Project Discussion

  

Assessment Phase

Decision Phase

Regulatory Phase

 

Project Discussion 

Assessment Phase 

  • Proponent submits project to YESAB
  • Proponent responds to requests from Assessor
  • Public, NGOs and governments provide expert knowledge for Assessor
  • Assessor produces Evaluation Report including recommendation

Decision Phase

  • Decision Bodies such as Yukon government give full and fair consideration to recommendation
  • If project is in non-settled First Nation Territory, Decision Body consults
  • Develops and issues Decision Document

Regulatory Phase 

  • Regulators issue authorizations where applicable
  • Authorizations conform to the wording of the Decision Document

About development assesment in Yukon
Development assessment in Yukon takes place under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA). It looks at the potential effects a proposed activity may have on the economy, environment, health, culture, traditions and lifestyles of Yukoners and on heritage resources. It then considers measures that could be used to eliminate or reduce any identified negative impacts on people and communities.

DEFINITIONS

Assessor: Assessments are made by an independent, arm’s length organization called the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) which assesses a list of activities that are set by legislation. YESAB Designated Offices in six Yukon communities manage the assessment of routine projects, while the YESAB Executive Committee or a YESAB Panel assesses major projects. Find out more about YESAB and its rules and procedures.

Authorizations: Any permits and licences [300 KB] that your project needs before it can go ahead.

Decision Body: Through the YESAA process, YESAB makes a recommendation about the project to a government — either Canada, Yukon or a First Nation — and the government gives a final decision. Referred to as the decision body, the government must give “full and fair consideration” to the recommendation and accept, reject or vary it.

Proponent: The person or company submitting a project for assessment.

Regulator: The Regulator is the government department or agency which issues the permits or licences [ 300 KB] your project may need.