Designation of Projects Regulations

Enabling act(s): Fisheries Act

Description of the objective

On February 6, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-68, An Act to Amend the Fisheries Act and other Acts in Consequence. Proposed changes to the Fisheries Act include a new authority to create regulations for the purpose of prescribing in regulations a process for designating projects that would be subject to a new permitting process. Under this new permitting process, all works, undertaking or activities that are associated with a designated project, and that have the potential to impact fish and fish habitat, would require a permit from DFO. The proposed regulations would establish how projects, or classes of projects, would be designated under the Fisheries Act.  The regulations would also establish the permitting process for works, undertakings or activities associated with a designated project that have the potential to impact fish and fish habitat. Carrying out the works, undertakings or activities of a designated project in accordance with a permit would be required to ensure compliance with the proposed Fisheries Act subsection 35.1(1). 

Indication of business impacts

There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or Small Business Lens may apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

There is no regulatory cooperation for this initiative

Public consultation opportunities

DFO plans to consult with Industry, stakeholders, Indigenous Groups, Provinces/Territories and then public to inform the development of any future Regulations.  Information on future consultation opportunities for this regulatory proposal will be updated as it becomes available.

Further information

A discussion paper will be developed to support consultation.

Departmental contact

Jane Keenan
Director, Ecosystems Management Policies & Practices
Telephone:  613-990-2574
Email:  jane.keenan@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan: 2018