Should Manitoba and Canada Share Environmental Reviews for Major Projects?
Official title: Have your say on the draft co-operation agreement between Manitoba and Canada - Public comments invited Public Notice
Canada and Manitoba want to team up on environmental assessments for big projects like mines and pipelines. Right now, companies often face two separate reviews—one federal, one provincial. This draft agreement would let both governments work together so there's just one process. The goal? Faster approvals without weakening environmental protections.
Why This Matters
Live in Manitoba? Big resource projects—mines, pipelines, energy facilities—could get approved faster under this deal. That might mean more jobs and investment. But it also raises questions about whether environmental reviews will be as thorough when two governments share the work.
What Could Change
If finalized, Manitoba and Canada would conduct joint environmental assessments instead of separate ones. Project proponents would deal with one coordinated process. The agreement would formalize which tools from the Impact Assessment Act get used and how the two governments divide responsibilities.
Key Issues
- How should Manitoba and Canada coordinate their environmental assessment processes?
- Will the 'one project, one review' approach maintain strong environmental standards?
- How will Indigenous consultation obligations be met under the joint process?
How to Participate
- The comment period for this consultation has closed. Comments submitted by December 15, 2025 were considered.