Ottawa extends consultation on major projects reform to July 22

OTTAWA — The government that promised to move at speeds not seen in generations is slowing down its pace to allow more consultation on its major projects reform.

On May 8, the federal government launched a 30-day consultation period with the Canadian public, Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, on potential changes to regulation aimed to fast-track approval processes for major projects to just one year.

The government proposed a suite of measures that critics have said would significantly weaken environmental protections and affect endangered species in the country.

They include creating a regulatory system that ensures only one federal decision is needed for major project approvals, “economic zones” where projects would be deemed pre-approved and allowing early construction before the end of an impact assessment.

Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault was notably one of the fiercest critics of the proposed reform . He has since announced that he will be resigning as an MP this summer.

The government was expected to table legislation before the end of the parliamentary session in June. But with the end of the consultation fast approaching, the government announced on Thursday the public engagement period would be extended until July 22.

“Canadians have demonstrated a strong interest in these proposed reforms and have already provided thoughtful and constructive feedback,” said Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for One Canadian Economy in a press release.

“Extending the engagement period will allow us to hear from even more Canadians and help us develop reforms that reflect the views and priorities of people across the country.”

A government source said they had heard from different groups that the proposed 30-day period was too short to submit their input on how to accelerate major projects in Canada.

Following the end of the consultation, the government intends to introduce legislation in the fall with hopes it will be adopted quickly.

National Post calevesque@postmedia.com

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