Canada's Bill C-39 Seeks to Streamline Major Project Approvals

The Canadian government has introduced Bill C-39, legislation aimed at streamlining major project approvals and making the review process more predictable for companies building in Canada. The Building Canada Strong Act sets a one-year target for federal reviews and decisions once a complete application is submitted.

For Alberta's energy sector, this means faster approval times for oilsands developments that require federal approval. However, not all oilsands projects are subject to federal review, those involving in-situ development fall under provincial jurisdiction.

The minister emphasized the importance of one project, one review, and a decision within one year. He noted that mining assets, which include oilsands mining projects, remain within federal scope and would be subject to this new approval process.

The push for faster approvals is also tied to work underway on a proposed new West Coast oil pipeline, with Ottawa and Alberta aiming to reach a decision or conditions document by September 2027. If the project is listed by October 1st, construction could begin as soon as September 2027.