Environmental reform included in federal budget
Posted Mar 21, 2012 7:12 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After weeks of speculation, the Federal government is coming through with its promise to reform and streamline the environmental assessment process on infrastructure projects.
The Canadian Press reports the changes will have Ottawa paying much less attention to smaller ventures.
The federal government is expected to impose time limits on major hearings and pull out of the process altogether if a province is ready to step in with similar standards.
Some provinces have cited concerns over proposed reforms to the Fisheries Act that would end federal oversight on much of the country’s fresh water.
Many are unsure over how to assume the responsibilities and how much it would cost.
The changes are expected to be included in next week’s budget.
