Giving Fast Lane Permitting A Test Drive

Over the past year, federal and provincial governments have adopted legislative reforms aimed at accelerating permitting for major projects, including establishing new “fast lane” approaches for priority projects. Over the next year or two, several of these initiatives will be put to the test; in many cases, it will be the first time a new regulatory framework is implemented. If successful, Canada’s energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors stand to benefit most, not only with faster timelines but enhanced regulatory certainty and investor confidence. By the end of 2026, we should have a much better sense of the efficacy of these new approaches and start to see whether the results can match ambition.