The Alberta government has introduced Bill 30, the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, to accelerate the development of and to limit delays in major projects.
The bill will outline the criteria, application requirements, approval processes, and timelines for proponents, regulators, and government. To qualify for expedited approval, projects must:
- Fit provincial priorities
- Display strategic economic value
- Have secured at least $250 million in capital investments
- Have completed or substantially completed the environmental impact assessment process and Indigenous consultation
A new project coordination review team in the executive council will implement a review and support process to evaluate applications and present recommendation to a deputy minister committee. Cabinet will then categorize eligible projects approved by the committee via an order-in council.
The order-in council’s issuance will open the 120-day approval window for regulators. The timeline requirement will be standardized for all subsequent necessary permits once received by the regulator.
“The world needs Alberta oil and gas now more than ever. Taking action to accelerate the approval process is critical for Alberta to unleash its energy potential and ensure a sustainable sector for decades to come,” said Brian Jean, the province’s energy and minerals minister, in a statement.
The government noted that Canada lost $12 billion in energy investment to the US last year due to project approvals delays and duplication. It said that accelerating approvals would improve investments, bolster production, and broaden access to international markets.
Bill 30 builds on the Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding through its focus on the developing critical infrastructure enhancing production while cutting emissions. Accelerated approval also complements the federal-provincial agreement that permits the country to lean on Alberta’s environmental and regulatory system for projects mainly within its jurisdiction.
The Alberta government indicated that it would retain its duty to consult.
“We’re pleased the government has tabled this critical legislation to speed up major project approvals in Alberta without sacrificing safety, the environment and important Indigenous consultation,” said Chris Flett, business manager at International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 955. “A 120-day approval process is not only good for business, but also for hard-working tradespeople who rely on building and maintaining these major projects to support their families and communities. We look forward to this bill becoming law.”
Earlier this month, the Alberta government also introduced Bill 21, the Interprovincial Trade Mutual Recognition Act, which sets a legal framework implementing the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods.