Feds Shift Oilsands, Gas Project Oversight to Provinces

Ottawa has announced changes to its regulatory framework for energy projects, shifting primary responsibility for new in situ oilsands facilities and gas-fired power plants from the federal government to provinces.

The move is intended to reduce duplication and streamline project reviews, providing greater certainty for investment, according to the federal government.

Interprovincial and international pipelines will no longer be assessed through the Impact Assessment Agency's designated-project process, with reviews instead led by the Canada Energy Regulator.

Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the changes, saying they fulfill part of an agreement previously reached between Alberta and Ottawa.