Notice of impact assessment decision with reasons

Ottawa — June 8, 2026 — On June 4, 2026, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) determined that the Baptiste Nickel Project (the project) proposed by FPX Nickel Corp. (the proponent), located in British Columbia, will move to the next step in the planning phase. The Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature will consider the request from British Columbia to substitute the federal impact assessment of the project to the provincial process. If approved, B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office will conduct the impact assessment of the project under the provincial Environmental Assessment Act (2018) on behalf of IAAC.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), IAAC considered each of the following factors:

• the Initial Project Description, and the response to the key issues within federal jurisdiction in the Joint Summary of Issues and Engagement, as submitted by the proponent pursuant to sections 10 and 15 of the IAA;
• the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project;
• adverse impacts that the project may have on the rights of Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
• comments received by IAAC from the public, Indigenous Peoples of Canada, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the project, as reflected in the Joint Summary of Issues and Engagement;
• any relevant assessment referred to in section 92, 93 or 95 of the IAA;
• any study that is conducted or plan that is prepared by a jurisdiction — in respect of a region that is related to the designated project — and that has been provided to IAAC; and
• whether a means other than an impact assessment exists that would permit a jurisdiction to address the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, and the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project.

IAAC is satisfied that the carrying out of the designated project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or direct or incidental adverse effects, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat; migratory birds; federal lands; and changes to the health, social or economic conditions of Indigenous peoples. The project may also adversely impact Indigenous peoples' physical and cultural heritage, current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, archaeological sites, and Indigenous rights. 

As a result, IAAC has determined that the designated project will move to the next step in the planning phase.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Baptiste Nickel Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
1800-1138 Melville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4S3
Telephone: 604-666-2431
Email: Baptiste-Nickel@iaac-aeic.gc.ca