Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — August 7, 2020 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided that an impact assessment is required for the Suncor Base Mine Extension Project (the Project) located in Alberta.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Agency has taken into account each of the following factors:

• the proponent's Detailed Project Description, and its response to the summary of relevant issues. The Agency is satisfied that, for the purpose of determining whether an impact assessment is required, the information provided by the proponent adequately characterizes the potential effects of the Project;
• the possibility that carrying out the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct and incidental effects;
• adverse impacts that the Project may have on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
• comments received by the Agency from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the Project. These comments were reflected in the Summary of Issues.

The Athabasca Oil Sands Region in general has not been the subject of a federal strategic or regional assessment. The proponent identified several relevant strategic assessments and plans, including the Strategic Environmental Assessment of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site, the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change, the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan, and the Alberta Climate Leadership Plan.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the view that the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, federal lands, or in a province other than the one where the Project is being carried out.

The Project may also cause adverse effects on Indigenous peoples and adversely impact their rights. As a result, the Agency has decided that an impact assessment under IAA is required.

For further information on this impact assessment decision, please contact:

Suncor Base Mine Extension Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Suite 1145 - 9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4C3
Telephone: 780-495-2037
Email: IAAC.BaseMine-MineBase.AEIC@canada.ca