Canada And Alberta Sign Draft Cooperation Agreement On Impact Assessment After Historic MOU

Key Takeaways

• Canada and Alberta have made public a draft agreement on a new environmental assessment process, with Alberta recognized as best placed to lead assessments for projects within its jurisdiction.
• The new process aims to reduce duplication and streamline approvals, potentially completing assessments within two years.
• The draft agreement creates a stable environment for investment, lowering risk and improving investor confidence in major projects.

After more than a decade of conflict between Canada and Alberta on the environmental assessment process for projects located in Alberta, including multiple constitutional challenges by Alberta to the federal Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the two governments have tentatively agreed to a new process that recognizes Alberta as being “best placed” to undertake environmental assessment for projects primarily within its jurisdiction.