The Show Goes On: Energy Project Approval Processes Continue Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

Despite the prohibitions on in-person hearings and logistical challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and provincial energy regulators have continued to process applications, including by replacing previously scheduled oral hearings with written processes. Although these changes have, in several instances, resulted in extended processing times compared to previously scheduled oral hearings and/or standard timelines, the consistent message from Canadian tribunals is that there are reasonable and fair ways to continue processing contentious project applications while also ensuring the health and safety of all involved.

In this Update, we:

• Provide considerations for proponents seeking continued and timely regulatory processes to advance projects and other regulatory applications during the ongoing pandemic.