Newfoundland and Labrador Signs Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessments with Federal Government

Minister Chris Tibbs, on behalf of Andrea Barbour, and Minister Joanne Thompson announced the Co-operation Agreement between Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment today.

The agreement enables the provincial and federal governments to implement a "one project, one review" approach that provides a streamlined, flexible assessment process and minimizes duplication for projects in Newfoundland and Labrador that were subject to both federal and provincial assessments.

This ensures both governments could adopt the most effective assessment process on a case-by-case basis.

The co-operation agreement provides a simplified and more predictable approach that upholds federal and provincial responsibilities for environmental protection. It also promotes coordinated communication and information sharing, and affirms the importance of consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples throughout the assessment process.

Overall, the agreement provides for a less duplicative, simplified and more predictable approach while ensuring that federal and provincial responsibilities for the environment and the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights are upheld.

The co-operation agreement between Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador helps create the conditions to build infrastructure faster, just like agreements with British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. The agreement is expected to attract more investment in new infrastructure that will grow the economy, support workers and their families, and create high-paying careers from coast to coast.