Environmental and socio-economic effects assessment ensures that the effects of development activities are considered before they happen and that significant adverse effects will be mitigated. Dr. Amelie Janin, NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Mine Life Cycle at Yukon College taught this course over the Winter 2017. Through discussions with a series of guest speakers and with the instructor, the students were tasked to reflect on the environmental assessment process in Yukon and to write short essays. The essays have been compiled under one document, which you can find here.
Environmental assessment in the Yukon is multifaceted. The goal of RRMT 238 is to give students a well-rounded perspective on the many players and their roles in the assessment process. This includes the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board, the Yukon Water Board, The Yukon Government, First Nations governments, consulting companies, industry proponents, and non-governmental organizations. Students were asked to summarize the role of an organization and discuss the challenges and opportunities of environmental assessment based on information provided during class and by invited speakers. The results are compiled in the following document. In addition, they were challenged to suggest improvements to the environmental assessment process in the Yukon.