Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he would establish certain zones that would have pre-approved permits for major construction and energy projects, in a bid to accelerate the development of key infrastructure and industries.
“After years of uncertainty where businesses spent billions of dollars and many years getting to a ‘maybe,’ they will know that they have a ‘yes’ up front,” Poilievre said during a March 20 stop in Jonquière, in Quebec’s Saguenay region.
The Tory leader said this would create more certainty for investors and lead to a construction and economic boom.
Dubbed “Canada Shovel Ready Zones,” the areas would be identified as suitable locations for mines, pipelines, liquified natural gas (LNG) plants, power stations, or hydro dams. Assessments on impacts to the environment and the local population will be conducted beforehand and the required consultations with First Nations will be done “up front,” Poilievre said. Permits would then be published online….