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ARTICLE · 02 MARCH 2015

Quebec Environment Minister Aims To Modernize Environmental Approval Process

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The modernization of the EQA and the simplification of the environmental authorization process follow similar efforts undertaken in Ontario a few years ago.

CanadaEnvironment
Charles Kazaz
Charles Kazaz
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On February 25, 2015, the Quebec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change David Heurtel, announced a proposal to modernize the current environmental authorization regime provided for in the Environment Quality Act (EQA). The Minister stated that the process needed to be more clear, more efficient and predictable. The modernization of the EQA and the simplification of the environmental authorization process follow similar efforts undertaken in Ontario a few years ago.

CURRENT AUTHORIZATION REGIME UNDER THE EQA

Section 22 of the EQA provides for a preventive regime that requires prior approval from the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MSDEF) for certain projects or activities that may impact the quality of the environment. According to the MSDEF, over 5,000 ministerial authorizations are granted each year.

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