Ottawa suggests letting cabinet green-light pipelines before technical assessments happen
The federal government has proposed sweeping changes to Canada’s project approval process, including allowing cabinet to approve pipelines before technical and environmental reviews are completed, in an effort to attract investment and accelerate industrial development. The reforms, announced by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, would impose a one-year federal review timeline, create economic development zones and speed approvals for sectors such as energy, mining and nuclear projects. While industry leaders and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the move as a boost to competitiveness and pipeline development, environmental organizations and some Indigenous leaders warned the changes could weaken oversight and consultation protections.
