Purposes of YESAA

YESAB administers an assessment process set out in the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) to assess effects of projects and other activities in the Yukon, or that might have effects in the Yukon.

The Act’s purposes are to:

• Provide a comprehensive, neutrally conducted assessment process applicable in Yukon.
• Require that, before projects are undertaken, their environmental and socio-economic effects are considered.
• Protect and maintain environmental quality and heritage resources.
• Protect and promote the well-being of YukonFirst Nations persons, their societies and Yukon residents generally, as well as the interests of other Canadians.
• Ensure that projects are undertaken in accordance with principles that foster beneficial socio-economic change without undermining the ecological and social systems on which communities, their residents, and societies in general, depend.
• Recognize and, to the extent practicable, enhance the traditional economy of Yukon Indian persons and their special relationship with the wilderness environment.
• Guarantee opportunities for the participation of Yukon First Nations persons and make use of their knowledge and experience in the assessment process.
• Provide opportunities for public participation in the assessment process.
• Ensure that the assessment process is conducted in a timely, efficient and effective manner that avoids duplication.
• Provide certainty to the extent practicable with respect to assessment procedures, including information requirements, time limits and costs to participants.