What’s Our Role?

YESAB’s responsibilities include:

Assessing potential adverse environmental and socio-economic effects of proposed projects
Considering mitigation measures and alternatives
Issuing recommendations to decision bodies under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act

Our assessments are neutral, evidence-based, and grounded in Yukon’s land claims and legislative framework.

What We Do Not Do?

It is important to understand what YESAB does not do.

YESAB does not:

Issue permits, licenses, or authorizations
Approve or reject projects
Enforce permit conditions
Make final decisions on whether projects proceed
Enforce compliance with authorizations

Final decisions are made by federal, territorial, or First Nation decision bodies, which consider YESAB’s recommendations as part of their decision-making process.

How Does Neutrality Work?

YESAB does not take positions for or against development.

Our assessments are based on information and evidence, including:

Indigenous knowledge
Information provided by the public, governments, and proponents
Scientific and technical studies
Socio-economic data

We assess potential effects and recommend ways to avoid, mitigate, or manage those effects where appropriate. This balanced approach supports fair, transparent, and informed decisions.

Who Do We Serve?

YESAB’s work supports a wide range of participants in the Yukon assessment system, including:

Yukon First Nations
Yukon communities and residents
Project proponents
Federal, territorial, and First Nation decision bodies
Transboundary Indigenous governments and Canada