Monday, April 6, 2026
Alberta and Canada have signed the Cooperation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment, completing the process launched last month when both governments reached an agreement-in-principle and released the draft for public comment.
The agreement allows Canada to rely on Alberta’s environmental and regulatory system for projects primarily within provincial jurisdiction. For projects where both federal and provincial assessments are required, Alberta and Canada will work together to avoid duplication by coordinating permitting and jointly reviewing project conditions.
“This new agreement puts Alberta back in the driver’s seat for projects within our borders. It means less duplication, fewer delays and stronger investor confidence, all while growing our economy and continuing to protect the environment,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
This one-project, one-review approach reduces duplication, improves clarity and provides more predictable timelines for proponents while maintaining strong review standards. Indigenous participation remains essential to major project reviews in Alberta, and this agreement reinforces the importance of meaningful engagement and collaboration throughout the process.
“Indigenous communities play a vital role in the responsible development of major projects in Alberta. This agreement supports clearer, more coordinated processes while ensuring Indigenous perspectives continue to be heard and reflected in project decisions,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations.
For years, industry and investors have raised concerns that overlapping federal and provincial assessments add time, cost and uncertainty to major projects, without improving environmental outcomes. This agreement addresses those concerns by aligning reviews and putting Alberta’s proven system at the center of project decision-making.
Featured image: Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter signing the Canada-Alberta Cooperation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment. (Government of Alberta)
