Canadian Government Introduces Legislation To Streamline Environmental Approvals

On April 26, 2012, the federal government introduced its long-awaited amendments to key environmental and energy regulatory statutes that it has promised will speed the development of Canadian natural resources. Bill C-38, the Jobs, Growth and Long‑term Prosperity Act, was tabled on the heels of the March 2012 Federal Budget which promised to streamline and improve the processes for the environmental assessment and regulatory review of major natural resource projects. Through Bill C-38, the government appears to have delivered on its promises and the changes, if passed as is, should have far-reaching implications for resource development across the country.

The focus throughout the bill is on preventing regulatory duplication, ensuring the timely review of projects and consolidating decision-making powers where possible. Once the bill is passed into law, it is expected that the increased regulatory certainty associated with the proposed changes will encourage