Canada
Canada and the world are rapidly maneuvering towards an Energy Transition in-line with international sustainability goals. The Government of Canada’s Critical Mineral Strategy calls for expedited regulatory applications for associated energy and mining projects, notably regarding environmental assessments (EAs). Often referred to as “regulatory streamlining”, the intent is to reduce the time required for the regulatory project review process to meet domestic and international challenges, while not unduly compromising many of the values inherent to the objectives of EA. So far it is apparent that much of the focus, is on opportunities to streamline the process focused on multi-jurisdictional cooperation and review timelines. While offering much towards reformation, there also exists substantial opportunity to improve the understanding and outcomes of technical practice that revolves around evidentiary standard; namely, what, and in what way, constitutes the nature of information satisfactory in meeting regulatory requirements and the further expectations of non-government parties. This seminar will examine this challenge, review options both in process and practice, and offer pragmatic and balanced solutions to the streamlining paradox of reducing time but also gaining trust.