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
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.