Federal Energy Project Reviews: Timelines In Practice

In recent years the timelines to complete Canadian regulatory reviews of proposed major projects – and particularly environmental assessments which are the key part of the project review process – have become a major political issue. Over the last decade or so, project proponents have consistently raised concerns about the lack of speed and the lack of predictability of the results of project review processes – principally at the federal level. Complaints have also been made, and lawsuits have been commenced, by opponents of those projects including environmental groups, First Nations bands, and other interested parties alleging procedural and other flaws in the project review process – again principally at the federal level.