Jon Pounder

Experience has shown that reconciling the goals of environmental protection, economic development, and social equity remains difficult, and at times, deeply contested. Rather than assuming alignment, this panel brings together distinct viewpoints that reflect the diversity of approaches and trade-offs at play. Panelists will consider how Canada’s constitutional division of powers, evolving legislative frameworks, and assessment processes shape the possibilities -- and limitations -- of environmental and impact assessment in supporting decisions. The conversation will include attention to Indigenous leadership and participation, the role of assessments in biodiversity conservation, and the pressures posed by growing demands in areas such as energy, housing, and infrastructure. At a time of geopolitical, environmental, and social uncertainty, this discussion aims to provoke thoughtful dialogue about what is at stake in today’s development decisions, and how assessment practice might respond.