ID: 1772
Presenting Author: Nicole MacDonald
Session: 550 - (Re)building trust and transparency to navigate complex energy transitions
Status: pending
Enhancing transparency and public engagement in NS and NB renewable energy EA will strengthen trust and support more accountable decision-making in Canada’s clean-energy future.
Trust and transparency are essential for public confidence in environmental decision-making, especially as Canada advances its clean-energy transition. Canada’s energy transition is driving a surge in renewable energy and infrastructure projects in the provinces of NS and NB. While both provinces have established EA processes, improving transparency and public engagement would strengthen trust in environmental decision-making.
This paper analyzes the application of transparency and public participation within the NS and NB EA processes, drawing on recent renewable-energy case studies and practitioner insights. Key areas for improvement include access to baseline and modelling data, disclosure of public comments and how they are addressed, and unclear communication regarding post-approval monitoring and compliance. These aspects may leave communities uncertain about whether their input has meaningful impact.
The paper highlights practical measures to improve accountability, such as publicly posting project-related materials (e.g., amendments, follow-up studies, monitoring reports) and making public comments and corresponding responses accessible online. Clearer plain-language communication among regulators, proponents, and communities would also improve the accessibility and credibility of EA processes.
Through lessons from Atlantic Canada, this paper identifies opportunities for regulators and practitioners to strengthen transparency, participation, and trust in EA, supporting more accountable and science-informed decision-making in Canada’s clean-energy future.
Nicole MacDonald is Practice Lead, Environmental Services – Renewable Energy at CBCL, where she leads and supports environmental assessments for clean-energy projects across Atlantic Canada.
Coauthor 1: Loretta Hardwick
Coauthor 2: Kelly MacDougall