We object to the poorly conceived Environmental Assessment process of Nova Scotia Environment.

There is an imbalance of financial resources:

• Proponents have the ability to pay a processing fee of up to $17,240
• Proponents pay for a third party report that is guaranteed to be favorable.
• The public is without the capacity to pay expenses for awareness, meetings, dissenting science and research.
• Appeals through the courts are inherently expensive

Communities are in a weak position

• Many undertakings occur in unincorporated areas:
• Local communities do not have the social structures to respond appropriately.

There are inherent weaknesses in the process

• The comment process is biased against the significant proportion of Nova Scotians without internet access
• The time for public comment is very short
• Although the province has the capacity to inform affected persons individually, it does not do so.
• The province does not hold public meetings

The goal is clearly environmental exploitation, not preservation.

• The 100% approval rate is alarming

The response to the Auditor General's criticism is weak and disorganized.

Therefore we request that all current assessments be suspended pending a comprehensive review of the process.