Canada's feds received over 21,000 emails on proposed changes to major project reviews

The Canadian federal government is sifting through more than 21,000 emails received during a public feedback period on proposed changes to how major projects are reviewed. The consultation window closed Wednesday, and the government plans to release a summary report by the end of summer.

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The Government of Canada also attended 24 meetings with Indigenous groups (including three virtual engagement sessions) and 27 stakeholder meetings.

As of July 17, officials had received 187 written submissions from a range of stakeholders, including Indigenous and environmental groups, think tanks, academics, provinces, territories, and municipalities. The Privy Council Office, which oversees the major projects office, also noted that 24 meetings were held with Indigenous groups and 27 with other stakeholders.

Released in May, the proposed changes include allowing for the approval of major projects before they undergo review and potentially exempting certain projects from laws designed to protect at-risk species. The government also suggested transferring the review responsibility for pipelines, transmission lines, and offshore renewable energy projects from the Impact Assessment Agency to the Canada Energy Regulator, citing industry feedback about the regulator's expertise.

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The Government of Canada also attended 24 meetings with Indigenous groups (including three virtual engagement sessions) and 27 stakeholder meetings.

However, the proposed changes have drawn criticism. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak previously called the proposals a "pattern of exclusion" and criticized the short initial feedback timeline. The government extended the deadline to July 22 after significant pushback, primarily from environmental and Indigenous groups. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon acknowledged the "enormous issues at play" and the need to gather a "full range of views."

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demonstrate a pattern of exclusion.

The Green Party also submitted feedback, seeking more clarity on accountability if species at risk are threatened by cabinet decisions and raising concerns about the proposed "economic zones" for development corridors.

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Look, there are enormous issues at play here. We want to make sure we get the full range of views.