Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

June 6, 2025 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has decided that an impact assessment is not required for the Adding Capacity to Sainte-Marguerite-3 Generating Station Project (the project) proposed by Hydro-Québec (the proponent), located in Quebec.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), IAAC considered each of the following factors:

• the Initial Project Description (French only), and the Response to the Summary of Issues (French only), as submitted by the proponent pursuant to sections 10 and 15 of the IAA;
• the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project;
• adverse impacts that the project may have on the rights of Indigenous peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
• comments received by IAAC from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the project, as reflected in the Summary of Issues;
• any relevant assessment referred to in section 92, 93 or 95 of the IAA;
• any study that is conducted or plan that is prepared by a jurisdiction — in respect of a region that is related to the designated project — and that has been provided to IAAC; and
• whether a means other than an impact assessment exists that would permit a jurisdiction to address the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, and the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project.

In light of the factors considered, IAAC is of the view that the potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or direct or incidental adverse effects caused by the project, and impacts on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, would be limited or addressed through existing federal and provincial legislative and regulatory frameworks and do not warrant an impact assessment under the IAA. This includes but is not limited to the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, as well as Quebec's Environment Quality Act.

As a result, IAAC has decided that an impact assessment under the IAA is not required for the project.

For further information on the federal impact assessment process, please contact: information@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.