The Race to Cut Through Red Tape

In a high-stakes competition fueled by the looming U.S. tariff war, federal Conservatives and Liberals are scrambling to promise quicker approvals for major resource projects that could bolster Canada's economy.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney is advocating for a regulatory review timeframe of around two years, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has boldly proposed a one-year limit. But can these ambitious timelines really become a reality?

A History of Broken Promises

Past political leaders have made similar vows, only to be thwarted by court battles, Indigenous rights, and the intricate nature of projects that often pose environmental risks. Richard Masson, an executive fellow at the University of Calgary, sheds light on this issue. He explains that many years of planning and engineering are required just to establish the project's foundation and engage in essential environmental studies and consultations.

"Surprise would be an understatement if these limits could work without major legislative changes," says Masson, who previously led oil sands policy for Alberta's Energy Department. "Indigenous rights are entrenched beyond Parliament’s ability to alter.”

The Lingering Challenge of the Ring of Fire

The infamous Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario illustrates that political ambition alone can't bring projects to fruition. Initially highlighted by Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government as a key to reviving Ontario’s economy, successive leaders, including Doug Ford, have promised to kickstart its development.

Yet, despite nearly seven years in office, Ford's government is still campaigning on the potential of the Ring of Fire, facing setbacks as proposals await assessment.

Conservative Proposals to Streamline Approvals

To expedite development, the Conservatives propose establishing a Rapid Resource Project Office, tasked with overseeing regulatory approvals across multiple government levels, targeting a completion window of just six months! This initiative aims to facilitate cooperation with provincial governments to manage permits more effectively.

Moreover, Poilievre plans to introduce a national energy corridor to fast-track critical infrastructure, including transmission lines and pipelines, by getting them pre-approved.

Liberal Strategies for Efficiency

On the other side, Carney’s Liberals are pushing for a "one window" approval process to eliminate redundancy in federal assessments. By streamlining the permit application process and allowing provincial environmental reviews to take precedence, they aim to cut down the red tape that currently plagues major projects.

Additionally, the Liberals pledge to prioritize Indigenous consultations, ensuring they happen on predictable timelines that support project interests.

Promises Alone Won't Drive Investments

Michael Goehring, head of the Mining Association of BC, expresses skepticism over both parties' plans. "There has been far too much talk and not nearly enough action from both federal and provincial fronts," he criticizes. He highlights that British Columbia has already undertaken similar steps and suggests using them as a national model.

In 2018, the federal government and B.C. established a single environmental assessment system for major projects, effectively streamlining processes. Despite these improvements, the reality remains that getting a mining project approved can still take a staggering 10 to 12 years in B.C.

The Challenge Ahead

As Canada faces crucial decisions about resource development, the pressure mounts for Carney and Poilievre to translate their promises into actionable plans. Only time will tell if they can navigate the complex regulatory landscape to kickstart vital projects and invigorate the economy.