In the face of global changes in trade and the global economy, Canada is taking steps to diversify and strengthen its economy to be even more resilient. That's why Canada's government is partnering with provinces and territories to advance major projects that expand our exports, create thousands of high-paying careers, and help position Canada for long-term prosperity in a rapidly changing global economy.
Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Québec Lieutenant, and Pascale Déry, Québec Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, announced the publication of the draft Agreement Between Quebec and Canada Concerning the Environment Quality Act and the Impact Assessment Act Within Quebec's Territory.
This agreement would introduce a "one project, one review" approach for major projects in Quebec. This is following the signing of impact assessment agreements between Canada and other provincial governments, such as British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It would create an assessment process that avoids duplication and respects the jurisdiction of both levels of government. It would also make it possible to deliver major projects faster and maintain strong environmental protections, all the while respecting the rights of Indigenous partners.
The public and Indigenous Peoples can provide feedback to the federal government on this draft agreement for the next twenty-one days. Comments will be considered in the development and implementation of the final agreement.
Canada is working to build a stronger, more sustainable, more competitive economy. At this key moment in our history, a new co-operation agreement will enable the conditions necessary to build new infrastructure, reduce duplication and make it possible to ensure the necessary economic predictability. We are working together to position Canada as a destination of choice for investment.
