Canada: Environment

Canada and Alberta have jointly announced an Implementation Agreement that reinforces the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Regulation (TIER) framework as the cornerstone for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The federal government has introduced ambitious proposals to streamline infrastructure project approvals, building on last year's Building Canada Act. These reforms aim to reduce federal decision timelines to one year and consolidate Indigenous consultations through a new Crown Consultation Hub. The proposals include creating Federal Economic Zones that would exempt certain projects from individual impact assessments and granting Cabinet new authorities to expedite major infrastructure development.

Quebec has published comprehensive amendments to its environmental impact assessment and review procedure, introducing more detailed upfront requirements, expanded public consultation roles, and new ministerial authorities. The changes aim to streamline decision-making while requiring proponents to provide substantially more information at earlier stages of the process.