The agency encourages public participation, provides administrative and advisory support for review panels, promotes sustainable development, and acts as the Crown Consultation Coordinator to integrate the federal government's Indigenous consultation activities.
The agency was established in 1994 prior to the adoption of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act in 1995 by the Parliament of Canada.
[9] The agency analyzes the proponent's response for completeness, including consultation with the public, Indigenous Peoples and other federal departments "that may be in possession of specialist or expert information or knowledge.
[9] The agency's work informs the Minister or Governor in Council's decision on whether a project's adverse impacts are in the public interest.
[9] If a project is approved, the agency must verify compliance with the decision statement and correct any incidents of non-compliance.