Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, which level of government has primary responsibility for conducting environmental assessments of major development projects?

Option A: Municipal governments through local planning departments

Municipal governments do not have primary responsibility under CEAA 2012. While municipalities conduct local environmental reviews through planning processes, they lack authority over major projects that fall under federal jurisdiction. Municipal planning departments focus on local zoning and development permits, not comprehensive environmental assessments of major infrastructure projects.

Option B: Provincial governments through environmental ministries

Provincial governments have their own environmental assessment processes, but CEAA 2012 establishes federal primacy for designated projects. While provinces may conduct parallel assessments or have agreements with federal authorities, the Act specifically assigns primary responsibility to federal designated authorities for projects meeting federal criteria.

Option D: Regional conservation authorities with provincial oversight

Regional conservation authorities are provincial or municipal entities focused on watershed management and local conservation. They do not have authority under CEAA 2012 to conduct environmental assessments of major development projects. Their role is typically limited to reviewing impacts on specific natural features within their jurisdiction, not comprehensive project assessments.