Should New Brunswick and Canada Share Environmental Reviews for Major Projects?
Official title: Have your say on the draft co-operation agreement between New Brunswick and Canada - Public comments invited Public notice
When a major project like a mine or pipeline needs approval from both New Brunswick and Ottawa, both governments currently run separate environmental reviews. That's slow and expensive. This draft agreement would let them share the work—one review instead of two. The goal is faster approvals while keeping environmental standards high.
Why This Matters
Live in New Brunswick? Major projects like mines, pipelines, or energy facilities could get approved faster. That might mean more jobs sooner. But some worry faster reviews could mean less scrutiny. If you care about how big projects affect your community or environment, this is your chance to weigh in.
What Could Change
New Brunswick and Canada would coordinate their environmental assessments for major projects. Instead of two separate reviews, there'd be one joint process. This could cut approval times significantly. The agreement also clarifies which government leads on different types of projects.
Key Issues
- How should federal and provincial governments share responsibility for environmental reviews?
- Will 'one project, one review' maintain strong environmental standards?
- How will Indigenous consultation obligations be met under the new approach?
How to Participate
- Review the draft co-operation agreement on the Let's Talk Impact Assessment webpage.
- Submit your comments through the Let's Talk Impact Assessment platform. All comments will be publicly posted.
- For questions, contact intergovernmentalaffairs-affairesintergouvernementales@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.