Should PEI and Canada Share Environmental Reviews for Major Projects?

Official title: Have your say on the draft co-operation agreement between Prince Edward Island and Canada - Public comments invited Public Notice

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Right now, big projects in PEI often need two separate environmental reviews—one federal, one provincial. The government wants to change that. This draft agreement would let both levels of government work together on a single review process. The goal? Faster approvals without lowering environmental standards.

Why This Matters

Live in PEI? This affects how major projects—wind farms, industrial facilities, large developments—get approved in your province. Faster reviews could mean quicker job creation. But some worry streamlining might weaken environmental protections. Indigenous communities have a stake too, since the agreement must respect constitutional obligations.

What Could Change

If finalized, PEI and federal officials would coordinate on a single environmental review instead of running parallel processes. Project proponents would deal with one assessment instead of two. The agreement would formalize which tools from the Impact Assessment Act get used and when.

Key Issues

  • Does the draft agreement strike the right balance between efficiency and environmental protection?
  • How should federal and provincial responsibilities be divided for major project assessments?
  • Are the proposed cooperation tools and flexibilities appropriate?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft co-operation agreement on the Let's Talk Impact Assessment webpage (external link not available in provided links).
  2. Submit your comments through the Let's Talk Impact Assessment platform by the deadline.
  3. For questions, contact intergovernmentalaffairs-affairesintergouvernementales@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Key Documents