The Governments of New Brunswick and Canada are working together to accelerate environmental and impact assessments for the major projects needed to meet the economic challenges and opportunities of today while building the strong Canada of the future.
Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, the Honourable Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick and Gilles LePage, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, announced the signing of the Co-operation Agreement between New Brunswick and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment. Minister LeBlanc attended on behalf of the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.
Moving forward, the Agreement enables Canada and New Brunswick to implement a "one project, one review" approach for all major projects in New Brunswick that require a federal and provincial assessment. This less duplicative, simplified and more predictable approach that maintains robust environmental standards will help catalyse investment in New Brunswick and Canada.
Under the Agreement, the federal government commits to relying on New Brunswick processes where appropriate and to using other collaborative approaches, such as joint review panels, to achieve a single review. It commits each government to share expertise, capacity, and best practices. It also promotes coordinated communication, permitting and information sharing throughout the assessment process. Ultimately, it gets Canada closer to the objective of having all environmental and impact assessments completed within two years.
The Agreement also affirms the importance of meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples throughout the assessment process.
By working together with provinces like New Brunswick, the Government of Canada is creating good jobs, driving investment, and building Canada strong.
