Quebec and Ottawa Move to Fast-Track Major Projects Through Joint Environmental Assessment Deal

Quebec and the Canadian federal government have reached an agreement in principle to streamline environmental assessments for major infrastructure and resource projects, aiming to reduce duplication and accelerate approvals for developments such as mines, ports, and pipelines.

Announced jointly by Quebec Environment Minister Pascale Déry and federal minister Joël Lightbound, the proposed arrangement would allow projects falling under Quebec’s jurisdiction to undergo a single provincial environmental assessment rather than face overlapping federal and provincial reviews. The governments say the approach will make project approvals more efficient while maintaining high environmental standards.

Déry argued that faster project development is essential as Quebec seeks to strengthen its economy and diversify its markets. Federal officials said the agreement could be finalized within a month, although residents, organizations, and other stakeholders have 21 days to submit comments during the consultation period.

The proposal has already drawn concern from environmental groups. The Quebec branch of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society supports the concept of a one-stop assessment process but questioned the government's motives, citing recent attempts to modify environmental rules to accelerate major projects. Its director, Alain Branchaud, also criticized the short, mid-summer consultation window, arguing that it could limit meaningful public participation.

The governments maintain that the agreement will not weaken environmental protections, but instead eliminate redundant reviews and improve regulatory efficiency. Federal officials also said preliminary work has already been conducted and Indigenous communities have been consulted.

The proposed deal reflects a broader federal push to reduce regulatory overlap. Following changes to Canada's Impact Assessment Act, Ottawa has reached similar agreements with seven other provinces-signaling a wider shift toward faster project approvals through coordinated environmental review systems.

Federal-provincial coordination on environmental assessment accelerates project delivery timelines, but it also raises the disclosure bar as consolidated review generates more scrutinised data. Our sustainability-due-diligence teams help clients evaluate what these frameworks mean for infrastructure investment and disclosure.