Chris Powell

Navigating uncertainty in a changing regulatory regime is a critical challenge for impact assessment practitioners and those involved in the impact assessment process. This presentation will delve into the various types of uncertainty and explore different perspectives on how to address these uncertainties. The presentation will touch on key types of uncertainty, including process uncertainty, data uncertainty, predictive uncertainty, context uncertainty, and implementation uncertainty and how these inform decision-making. The presentation will incorporate diverse insights from proponents, consultants, Indigenous communities, etc. and discuss impacts to project timelines, identification of effective mitigation measures, and challenges to Indigenous communities as well as their rights and interests. Decisions regarding project investment, professional integrity, social capital, and regulatory approvals often hinge on the ability to identify and manage uncertainty. This presentation bridges diverse perspectives to acknowledge risk and uncertainty while promoting the need for clarity in the impact assessment process to support informed decision-making.

Session Facilitator: Faiza Waheed