Like other ministries and local government bodies in Ontario, MNR carries out environmental planning under the direction of the Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act), which is administered by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). The EA Act provides for the protection, conservation and wise management of the environment in Ontario by establishing a responsible and accountable process of decision making for projects which might negatively affect the environment or raise public concern.
As a result of the Environmental Bill of Rights, MNR along with 12 other government ministries is obligated to consult with the public and others on any proposals to develop or revise acts, regulations, policies and instruments (defined by the regulation) which may affect the environment. A requirement to post proposals and decisions on Ontario’s Environmental Registry keeps the environmental planning and decision making process open and transparent to the public.
