Environmental and Social Assessments in Northern Quebec: Useful Tools for Project Development

It is often said in Quebec’s mining industry that the delays to obtain permits are too long and that the process is arduous and complicated. Even though false, these perceptions are also held by the many proponents from all sectors who engage in environmental and social impact assessment procedures in Northern environments. This article attempts to demonstrate how such assessments are nevertheless illuminating in many regards, and can therefore save the proponent time and money.