Designated Office Rules Review
YESAB is revising the rules for evaluations conducted by the Designated Office (DO Rules). These revisions will introduce several changes to the DO evaluation process.
The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) is revising the Rules for Evaluations Conducted by the Designated Office (DO Rules). The majority of assessment work under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) is carried out at the Designated Office level. This review aims to replace the current rules to improve the timeliness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the evaluation process, as envisioned by YESAA.
The proposed changes are designed to better support Designated Offices and proponents in completing evaluations, while also enhancing opportunities for meaningful engagement by participants in the assessment process.
Revisions have been made to the Proposed Designated Office Rules, 2026 (Revised Proposed Rules) after the formal Canada Gazette period closed February 2026. The Board is seeking input from participants and the public on the Revised Proposed Rules.
The additional Canada Gazette input period is August 15, 2026 to October 15, 2026 (60 days).
Only written submissions received on or before the deadline (October 15th) will be accepted and considered by the Board. Representations can be submitted to rulesreview@yesab.ca or delivered to the YESAB Head Office.
The revised effective date will be January 8, 2027.
Documents - August 2026
Rules Review - Gazette Input Response Report
Revised Proposed Rules - Highlighted Version
Designated Office Rules Review - Summary Guide
Revised Proposed Designated Office Flowchart
Revised DO Rules Information Slide Deck
Revised DO Rules Information Presentation - coming soon
Background:
Canada Gazette Period- December 6, 2025 – February 11, 2026
The Board received written input from interested parties and the public on the proposed amendments from December 6, 2025 – February 11, 2026. All input received is being reviewed and considered. The results will be published in a Public Input Response Report (coming soon).The proposed effective date for the new DO Rules will be September 1, 2026.
Proposed DO Rules Highlights
YESAB is proposing several changes to the DO evaluation process. The proposed changes include a new compliance check before projects enter the evaluation process; the development of new categories of evaluation for different types of projects, and other rules to modernize the DO evaluation process. As part of the rules review, the current timelines in the DO Rules are being examined and updated to reflect the establishment of new categories of assessment and operational experience. The proposed changes represent significant revisions to the current DO Rules.
Documents - December 2025
Proposed Designated Office Rules, 2026
Designated Office Rules Review- Summary Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Designated Office rules (DO Rules)?
The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) outlines the Board’s authority and responsibilities for making rules, including those governing evaluations conducted by the Designated Offices. The rules approved by the Board establish the framework for how Designated Office evaluations are carried out. The DO Rules provide structure for assessors to conduct neutral assessments and define timelines, opportunities for participation, and the processes involved at each phase of the assessment.
2. Why are the Designated Office rules being reviewed?
The DO Rules were last updated in 2010 and since then, assessment practices have evolved, interest and participation in assessments have grown, and expectations of the assessment process have changed. Revisions to the rules will enhance the timeliness, effectiveness and efficiency of the evaluation process, as set out in YESAA.
3. Why are categories of evaluation being developed?
Under the Board’s authority, rules can be established for different types of evaluations for different categories of projects. A single approach to conducting evaluations is no longer viable. Three categories of evaluation are being proposed – Simple, Standard and Complex. A project is categorized based on a number of factors. Different timelines and processes are available to support the completion of the evaluation as effectively as possible.
4. Will the time it takes for a project undergo an evaluation change?
The introduction of the Compliance Check is intended to support stronger project proposals from the outset, resulting in fewer information requests about project activities. The revised proposed DO Rules will establish different timelines for each category of evaluation. Standard evaluations will follow timelines similar to those in the current rules. Simple evaluations will have shorter timelines and a simplified evaluation report. Complex evaluations will benefit from early engagement with key participants to support meaningful involvement at the beginning of the process.
5. What is unique about the Complex category of evaluations?
Complex Evaluations involve additional, mandatory processes such as Early Engagement, where key participants are invited to comment on the project proposal before Proposal Review. All participants including the public will be given the opportunity to comment on a draft Evaluation Report before the final Evaluation Report is issued by the Designated Office. While timelines will run longer for this category, Early Engagement opportunities will result in a better project proposal.
6. How can I provide comments on the revised proposed changes?
It is recommended to read the Designated Office Rules Review Summary Guide and listen to the presentation. Only written submissions received on or before the deadline will be accepted and considered by the Board. Representations can either be emailed or dropped off at Head Office.
7. When will the new DO Rules come into effect?
YESAB recognizes the importance of implementing the revised DO rules as quickly as possible. Depending on the outcome of the Gazette comment period and feedback received, the new DO Rules could come into effect in early January 2027.
Contact us at rulesreview@yesab.ca