Part 5 – Division 1
Questions & Answers
Building High-Speed Rail Faster
Approach to Assessment of the Initiative Under the Impact Assessment Act
Q: Why is this measure necessary?
A: This measure helps guarantee that all segments between certain city-pairs of the high-speed rail initiative will be considered designated projects under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) and will be subject to the federal impact assessment (IA) requirements, regardless of their length or new right-of-way is used. By applying a consistent process to all segments, this measure avoids uncertainty and provides greater transparency.
Q: What assurances does this provide to Canadians?
A: By setting clear rules upfront, this measure minimizes the risk of potential delays to delivering the benefits of an HSR network and promotes transparency with Indigenous groups and the public that all segments be consistently subject to federal IA requirements and will benefit from a robust planning process.
Q: What is the significance of assessing the initiative in "segments"?
A: Advancing planning and assessment of the HSR network using this approach is expected to make the review and consideration of environmental, social and economic information more manageable for everyone during the planning process. This approach also intends for Canadians to benefit from more frequent, reliable, and faster intercity train services sooner.
Q: Doesn’t the IAA already require assessments for large railway projects? Why the additional measure?
A: Under the current IAA regulations, the construction of a new railway line will be a “designated project” under the IAA if it requires 50km or more of new right-of-way. This measure clarifies that segments, regardless of whether they involve 50 km of new right-of-way, will be subject to the same robust planning processes under the IAA.
Q: How does this measure improve transparency for the public?
A: This measure improves transparency in two ways. First, it clarifies that the “project” for the purposes of any IA process is not the full network, but rather each segment (each complementary, but distinct in purpose) will advance as a separate planning process to eventually form a high-speed rail network. Secondly, it commits up front, that each segment, regardless of whether it is on 50km or more of new right of way, will be subject to the requirements of the IAA. By treating all segments as designated projects under the IAA, this measure guarantees that every segment of the initiative will be subject to the same federal IA requirements. It removes ambiguity and demonstrates the government’s commitment to comprehensive and transparent planning.
Q: How does this save time and money?
A: A consistent and predictable process reduces administrative burdens, minimizes unexpected costs, and helps to keep the initiative on schedule.