Carney government considering faster approvals for natural resource and pipeline projects

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is considering new measures aimed at speeding up approvals for federally regulated natural resource and major infrastructure projects, including pipelines. According to reports, an announcement could come later this week.

The proposed changes would introduce a “one project – one review” approach for major projects and set a maximum two-year timeline for federal approval decisions. The move would represent a significant shift in the regulatory framework governing large-scale natural resource developments.

According to reports, the federal government believes the changes could reduce regulatory delays that industry groups have long argued are slowing pipeline and energy projects across Canada. Consultation requirements with Indigenous communities would remain mandatory under the proposed framework.

The discussions come as Ottawa continues talks with Alberta under a memorandum of understanding related to conditions for a potential pipeline project to Canada’s West Coast. Industry organizations are expected to welcome the proposal, while environmental groups could oppose the changes over concerns about oversight and environmental protections.