Mandate and Territory of Application

Official and privileged forum established by Section 22 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), the James Bay Advisory Committee on the Environment (JBACE), comprising of members appointed by the Cree, federal and provincial parties, oversees and monitors the implementation of the environmental and social protection regime in the Territory.

JBACE analyses issues that could affect the environment or communities in the Territory, advises governments on the development of policies, laws and regulations, and facilitates dialogue between stakeholders. This is to ensure that the rights of the Crees and the environment on which they depend are protected in accordance with the guiding principles of Section 22 of the JBNQA.

JBACE will meet with provincial and federal officials to learn more about initiatives affecting the Territory; regularly submits briefs to the Government of Canada and Quebec commenting on proposed legislation and/or regulation; participates in conferences to disseminate information regarding environmental protection in the Territory; and act as an intermediate between stakeholders, among other activities.

The JBACE’s advice and recommendations are informed by the guiding principles of Section 22 of the JBNQA and by the committee’s mandate. Additional activities have been identified for the two areas of intervention set out in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, adopted in June 2023.

Area of intervention 1 – Environmental and social protection regime of Section 22 of the JBNQA:

  • Objective 1.1: Evaluate the legislative framework of the environmental and social protection regime;
  • Objective 1.2: Evaluate the transparency of the environmental and social impact assessment and review process;
  • Objective 1.3: Evaluate the follow-up and monitoring of authorized projects;
  • Objective 1.4: Provide recommendations for the consideration of cumulative effects in the environmental and social impact assessment and review process.

Area of intervention 2 – Partnerships and communications:

  • Objective 2.1: Strengthen the JBACE’s network with the community and the Territory;
  • Objective 2.2: Improve the visibility and communications of the JBACE.