A Review Panel?

 From the CEAA website:

What is a review panel?

A review panel is a group of experts selected on the basis of their knowledge and expertise and appointed by the Minister of the Environment. The Minister also appoints one of the panel members as chairperson.

A review panel is appointed to review and assess, in an impartial and objective manner, a project with likely adverse environmental effects. A review panel may also be appointed in cases where public concerns warrant it. Such projects may be referred by the responsible authority to the Minister of the Environment for assessment by a review panel. Only the Minister of the Environment may order an assessment by a review panel.

A review panel submits its recommendations to the Minister of the Environment and to the responsible authority.

Review panels have the unique capacity to encourage an open discussion and exchange of views. They also inform and involve large numbers of interested groups and members of the public by allowing individuals to present evidence, concerns and recommendations at public hearings. A panel allows the proponent to present the project to the public and explain the projected environmental effects, and provides opportunities for the public to hear the views of government experts about the project.