Proposed DO Rules Update– October 2025
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.
Engagement – Summer 2025
In June – July 2025, information sessions were offered to key external participants e.g. proponents, First Nations, government regulators and technical experts, Traditional Knowledge experts and individual members of the public to provide an overview of the changes being proposed. A public survey (open for 8 weeks) was available from YESAB’s website which sought out the opinion of participants and the public on changes to the process. YESAB also received written comments during the same time frame. The results of the engagement are available in Designated Office Rules Review Summary Report and Process Update (September 2025).
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.
Background Documents – May 2025
- DO Rules Review Backgrounder
- Rules for Evaluations Conducted by Designated Offices (current)
- DO Process Flowchart (current)
- Designated Office Assessment Statistics
- DO Rules Review Information Session Slide Deck
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 efficiently 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 proposed DO Rules will establish different timelines for each category of evaluation.
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Standard evaluations will follow timelines similar to those in the current rules.
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Simple evaluations will have shorter timelines and a simplified evaluation report.
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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 during Technical 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 proposed changes?
It is recommended to read the Designated Office Rules Review Backgrounder and listen to the presentation. There are three ways to provide comments on the proposed changes:
- complete a public survey available on the website,
- provide written comments to YESAB during the engagement period and
- submit written input during the formal Canada Gazette publication period. YESAB will advise participants of the Gazette Period well, anticipated in late 2025.
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 as early as Summer of 2026.