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ARTICLE · 01 JULY 2026

Major Projects In Canada: Proposed Changes To Federal Project Reviews

The Canadian federal government has extended its consultation period on sweeping reforms to major project reviews, proposing to consolidate federal decisions into a single approval within two years. The discussion papers outline fundamental changes including concurrent permit reviews, Federal Economic Zones with pre-approved development categories, and reassigned review responsibilities for energy and nuclear projects that would reshape how infrastructure, energy, mining, and transportation projects navigat

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector

On June 4, 2026, the federal government extended the consultation period on two discussion papers proposing a broad redesign of how major projects are reviewed and approved in Canada, with the government now intending to introduce legislation in the fall. The discussion papers, released on May 8, 2026, would represent a significant change to the federal review regime. The pause does not signal a change in direction, but provides stakeholders, such as project proponents, investors and lenders, First Nations, and participants in the energy, mining, nuclear, transportation and port sectors, a longer window to assess the proposals and participate in shaping the new regime.

Consultation extended and legislation deferred

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. Specific Questions relating to this article should be addressed directly to the author.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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