About

The Ontario Association for Impact Assessment (OAIA) was founded in 1994 as a registered not-for-profit organization focused on the practice of impact assessment in Ontario. OAIA draws on the strength of its voluntary membership of researchers, practitioners, and users of various types of impact assessment. OAIA members come from diverse disciplines and professions across private and public sectors at practitioner and decision-making levels. Sectors represented include federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous government, engineering, consulting, law, health, education, academic, not-for-profit, finance, students, and private citizens. Members from Indigenous groups and organizations include community leaders, Indigenous knowledge holders and environmental stewards.

OAIA is an affiliate of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA)

Vision:
OAIA envisions a world where there is local, provincial, national, and global capacity for the application of impact assessment based on science and Indigenous Knowledge with meaningful public participation and engagement and consultation with Indigenous Peoples as the foundation for equitable and sustainable development that doesn’t compromise opportunities for future generations.

Mission:
OAIA provides a forum for impact assessment practitioners and students to advance 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.

Members of OAIA foster impact assessment in accordance with the following value statements:

Respect: We treat all members, partners and colleagues with respect and dignity and show regard for the opinions of others.

Diversity and Inclusion: We value members, partners, and colleagues from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities and perspectives and ensure they have the ability to contribute to our vision and mission.

Collaboration: We embrace teamwork and encourage people, organizations, and jurisdictions to work together to develop solutions to impact assessment and sustainable development challenges.

Integrity: We act in a manner consistent with our core values and charitable mission and uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical behaviour.

Accountability and Transparency: We focus on results and measurable outcomes and take responsibility for our decisions and actions and acknowledge our successes and failures.

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 six 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.