In a significant move for environmental governance and intergovernmental cooperation, New Brunswick has become the first Canadian province to formally sign a key agreement with the federal government aimed at streamlining project reviews.
A Landmark Agreement for Streamlined Reviews
The province inked the "One Project, One Review" agreement with Ottawa on December 16, 2025. This pact is designed to create a single, coordinated process for federal environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for major projects proposed within the province. The announcement was confirmed by federal officials, marking a pivotal step in reducing duplication between provincial and federal regulatory regimes.
Previously, large-scale industrial, energy, or infrastructure developments could be subject to separate, often overlapping, assessments by both levels of government. This new framework promises to align these processes, aiming for greater efficiency and predictability for project proponents while maintaining rigorous environmental standards. The agreement signifies a collaborative approach to managing the environmental footprint of major developments.
Implications for Project Development and the Environment
By being the first to sign, New Brunswick positions itself as a leader in cutting regulatory red tape. The deal is expected to provide clearer timelines and a more unified set of requirements for companies looking to invest in sectors like mining, forestry, and renewable energy within the province. Proponents hope this will attract investment by providing more certainty.
However, the agreement also carries the weight of ensuring that federal environmental standards are fully met through the coordinated process. The federal government retains its authority to make final decisions under the Impact Assessment Act. The success of the "One Project, One Review" model in New Brunswick will likely be closely watched by other provinces considering similar agreements, potentially setting a national precedent for collaborative federalism in environmental regulation.
The Path Forward and National Context
The signing of this agreement represents a concrete outcome of ongoing discussions between Ottawa and the provinces to improve the efficiency of the impact assessment system. While the core facts of the deal are established, its real-world application will unfold as the first projects enter the new coordinated process.
Environmental groups will be monitoring the implementation to ensure the single review does not dilute protections. Meanwhile, other provincial governments, particularly those with robust resource economies, may now be encouraged to pursue their own agreements with the federal government, following the trail blazed by New Brunswick on this December day.
