Summary

The amendment to the Impact Assessment Act allows certain projects to bypass federal assessments if they meet criteria set by provincial assessments. This is seen as a way to speed up project approvals, especially in areas where resource extraction is key to the economy.

What it means for you

This change may affect various groups including:

• Developers and businesses: They could benefit from quicker approvals and reduced regulatory hurdles.
• Environmental groups: They may feel a loss of oversight, worried about diminished protections for the environment.
• Provincial governments: They gain more power in project assessments but face pressure to balance economic benefits against environmental concerns.

Expenses

The government and businesses might save money by reducing overlap in regulatory processes. However, there are potential hidden costs:

• Environmental cleanup: If projects lead to ecological damage due to less stringent oversight, taxpayers might face higher costs in future remediation efforts.
• Legal costs: Increased disputes over project approvals or environmental impacts could lead to legal battles, costing both provinces and the federal government.

Proponents view

Supporters argue that this amendment will:

• Encourage economic growth: By streamlining processes, it attracts investment into resource-driven provinces.
• Utilize local expertise: Proponents believe provinces understand local conditions better, leading to more suitable project assessments.

Opponents view

Critics contend that:

• Environmental risks: The risk of lower environmental standards could result in long-term ecological damage, outweighing short-term economic gains.
• Inconsistency: Different provinces might apply varied standards, undermining federal environmental protection efforts and leading to a patchwork of regulations that could harm national interests.