The Alberta government says it will introduce legislation to fast-track major projects by setting a 120-day approval deadline.
The province says the accelerated process would improve coordination between government and regulatory bodies, and provide industry with the certainty needed to make investments.
“Every delay impacts jobs, investment and the opportunity Alberta needs,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a March 23 statement. “Setting a firm 120-day approval timeline brings discipline to the process, restores investor confidence and ensures Alberta is one of the most competitive places in the world to build major energy projects.”
The move comes after Smith directed Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean in a letter last October to develop an “expedited 120-day provincial approval process for priority projects designated to be in the provincial interest.”…