Canada Energy Regulator receives direction on faster major-project reviews

Canada Energy Regulator Reviews would be accelerated under proposed authorities targeting one-year major-project decisions, coordinated permits and Crown consultation while maintaining safety, environmental protection and Indigenous rights across federal review processes.

The Canada Energy Regulator has received federal direction outlining how it would support faster reviews of major projects if proposed legislative changes take effect. The direction follows the September 21 introduction of the Building Canada Strong Act, which includes proposed new authorities for the regulator under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

The central objective is for federal decisions on projects to be made no more than one year after a proponent has supplied the required information and studies. The proposed approach is intended to provide clearer and more predictable processes while maintaining strong safety and environmental protections and respecting Indigenous rights. It also reflects a one project, one review model built around cooperation among federal authorities, provinces, territories, Indigenous governments and modern treaty-based co-management boards.

For CER-regulated projects, the regulator's chief executive officer would be responsible for coordinating federal permitting and Crown consultation. Relevant federal permitting processes would be expected to move concurrently with the regulator's review and decision-making where practical and technically feasible. That coordination focus aligns with wider interest in tariff threats boost support for canadian energy projects as Canada considers conditions affecting major energy development.

The CER would retain its role as Crown Consultation Coordinator, working with federal authorities to identify concerns raised by Indigenous Peoples early and to coordinate recommendations for decision-makers. Where accommodation measures or other Crown action fall outside the Commission's mandate, the regulator would raise those matters early with the appropriate federal authority so a response can be developed within the applicable project timeline. The direction also calls for engagement with provinces, territories and Indigenous governments to reduce duplication in permitting and consultation processes.

The proposed framework would require reviews and hearings that are proportionate to a project's size, complexity and potential impacts. CER staff would support the Commission with the resources and analysis needed for efficient, fit-for-purpose processes, including clear and coordinated information requirements intended to improve proponent readiness. The emphasis on coordinated reviews has relevance for canada clean energy funding alberta saskatchewan and for infrastructure needed as electricity replaces fossil fuels in more parts of the economy.

The regulator is also expected to report through existing mechanisms on progress toward the new objectives. Those reports would include the number of federal regulatory and permitting decisions for major projects issued within one year of proponents providing required information and studies, as well as the number of Crown consultation processes coordinated annually. This reporting focus will be relevant to policy discussions around canada finalizes clean electricity regulations for 2050 and the infrastructure implications of a canada grid doubling plan 2050.

The letter recognizes the CER's arm's-length role and the independence of its Commission in adjudicative functions. It also notes the regulator's recent work to shorten routine application timelines, streamline low-risk project processes, modernize regulatory interactions and strengthen cooperation with other regulators. Should cross-departmental challenges emerge after the relevant provisions come into force, the chief executive officer may seek support through the Deputy Ministers' Federal Review Group while maintaining the stated goal of efficient, predictable and inclusive decision-making.

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