About OAIA
The Ontario Association for Impact Assessment is
a forum for advancing innovation, development, and communication
of best practice in impact assessment through the exchange of
ideas and experiences among its members, and with other
organizations with compatible interests. The OAIA promotes
development of local, provincial, national, and global capacity
for the application of impact assessment in which sound science
and full public participation provide a foundation for equitable
and sustainable development. OAIA is an affiliate of the
International Association for Impact Assessment, and its goals
and objectives are consistent with those of that organization.
OAIA addresses a full spectrum of impact assessment, including
its environmental, social, cultural, health, safety, and
economic aspects. Its membership is consequently diverse, and at
any given time, may include managers, engineers, planners, and
consultants from the private sector; managers, officials,
scientists, and analysts from the public sector; public interest
advocates; lawyers; health professionals; educators and
researchers; students; and interested citizens.
OAIA seeks to:
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improve the practice of impact assessment to
better meet the needs of the 21st century, particularly with
respect to its use as a tool for achieving sustainable
development objectives
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develop partnerships with other
organizations and institutions involved in impact assessment
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enhance multi-disciplinary cooperation in
impact assessment
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expand professional development
opportunities for impact assessment practitioners
OAIA activities and services include:
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organizing events that focus on important
developments in the field of impact assessment
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promoting research and training in impact
assessment
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promoting public understanding of impact
assessment
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encouraging the development of refined
approaches and methods for integrating impact assessment
into society's planning, decision-making, and management
processes
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contributing - on behalf of members - to
public policy discussions related to the role of impact
assessment in Ontario and the greater Canada.
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providing web-based resources including the
publishing of the electronic
OAIA Bulletin
The OAIA is guided by an elected Board
consisting of a six-member Executive (President-Elect,
President, and Past President, Secretary, Treasurer and
Director, Communications), and seven Directors. On November 7,
2006, the membership passed changes to the OAIA Constitution and
By-laws, providing greater flexibility in the process for
electing and appointing Board members.