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Misinformation, Disinformation, Communication, & Impact Assessment45e conférence annuelle de l'International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) |
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19 au 22 mai 2026 |
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Centre des congrès de Québec, Québec |
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Allocutions d'ouverture / Opening Adresses
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Annie Prince
We gather today on the traditional territory of the Wendat Nation who learned to understand the rhythms of the changing seasons and to respect the delicate balance between humans and the living world. It reminds us that land is not something we own, but something we belong to. It is not a commodity to be exploited, but a relationship to be nurtured, one that holds memory, identity, and future. Québec is also a place of cultural encounter. As the birthplace of French-speaking culture in the Americas, the city has been shaped by language, exchange, and the determination to sustain a distinct identity within a diverse continent. Throughout this congress, we invite you to discover these two living cultures, to be moved by their stories, knowledge, and values. They offer us essential perspectives for rethinking our relationship with land, development, and one another. The theme “Misinformation, Disinformation, and Communication in Impact Assessment” speaks powerfully to the world we live in today. We are navigating an era of uncertainty, where facts are questioned and science is challenged. Simplified narratives, false information, and polarized discourse are shaping public debate and collective decisions. This theme is both a call for reflection and a call to action. It speaks to all of us who believe that truth matters, that communities deserve to be heard, and that decisions affecting people and ecosystems must be made openly, transparently, and based on science and meaningful public involvement. In this complex political and social context, our role is more critical than ever. We carry a responsibility to uphold rigorous, transparent, and evidence-based science, while also acknowledging the limits of our knowledge and the importance of listening to others. At IAIA26, we come together to share technical knowledge, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to clarity, integrity, and inclusion. Impact assessment relies on data, yes, but it also relies on dialogue, listening, and trust. When misinformation and disinformation spread, they can erode public confidence, distort decisions, and marginalize the voices that most need to be heard. Communication is an act of respect. Respect for cultural differences, respect for communities and respect for nature and its limits. It requires openness, and courage. Today, planning and assessing projects is about far more than measuring impacts. It is about making societal choices. It is about recognizing that every project takes place on inhabited land, within living cultures, and fragile ecosystems. Whether you are a long-time practitioner or new to the field, IAIA26 is an invitation to be part of something meaningful. May this congress be a space for genuine dialogue, critical reflection, and collective learning, a place where science meets listening, where data meets values, and where diverse perspectives become a source of strength rather than division. Dear colleagues, Welcome to the territory of the Wendat Nation. |
Jean Hébert
Beyond our reflection on disinformation and communication in impact studies, the main theme of this conference, we must take advantage of this great opportunity to exchange with each other and share recent innovations in impact studies. Environmental and social concerns in general and the practice of environmental assessments in particular are currently facing significant headwinds. Government authorities in several countries and jurisdictions are proposing to bypass the usual environmental assessment and approval procedures for certain projects or redefine the types of projects that must undergo a full environmental and social assessment. We all know that it is false to claim that considering the environment and citizens' concerns are expensive and delay the implementation of projects and that it is only an administrative process for authorisation. This reflects a profound lack of knowledge of the relevance and contribution of the environmental and social assessment of projects to an informed decision. When the environment and social issues are integrated as early as possible in the planning and design of a project, it is a better project that generally costs less and is carried out more quickly with less impact and contestation. The same applies to policies, plans and programmes. We have been carrying out impact studies for more than fifty years and we have an immense wealth of experience and expertise on which we can rely on. Several innovations have been made to be more efficient. However, this remains poorly known to decision-makers, the media and the public. We must work to promote our discipline as the best decision-making tool. We must promote the link between science and politics in these difficult times when environmental and social challenges are numerous. I wish you an excellent conference, several stimulating meetings and new partnerships. We wish you also to discover the vibrant Québec’s culture in the cradle of this one, beautiful Québec City. Bon séjour à IAIA 26 et à Québec!
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Revivez les moment forts du Congrès IAIA26
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Vidéo récapitulative |
Plénière d'ouverture |
Plénière de fermeture |
Regional Award 2026L’AQÉI est très heureuse et profondément honorée de recevoir le Regional Award 2026 décerné par l’IAIA. Ce prix prestigieux sera remis officiellement lors du congrès IAIA26, qui se tiendra à Québec du 19 au 22 mai prochain, et vise à reconnaître une organisation qui s’est démarquée par son leadership et sa contribution exceptionnelle à l’avancement de l’évaluation d’impacts dans sa région. L’IAIA souligne ainsi le rôle clé de l’AQÉI dans la promotion, le développement et le renforcement des pratiques d’évaluation d’impacts au Québec et au sein de la communauté francophone, et ce depuis maintenant 35 ans. |
Cette reconnaissance internationale met en lumière :
Nous remercions chaleureusement l’IAIA pour cet honneur et partageons ce prix avec toutes celles et ceux qui, au fil des années, ont fait vivre et grandir l’AQÉI. Visionnez l’entrevue vidéo de notre directeur général, Jean Hébert, présentant l’AQÉI et son parcours.
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