A SAGE letter sent June 1, 2026 regarding the discussion paper on Getting Major Projects Built in Canada. (https://www.canada.ca/en/one-canadian-economy/services/simplifying-canada-process/engagement-supporting-timely-decision-making/getting-major-projects-built-canada-discussion-paper-proposed-legislative-regulatory-policy-reforms.html)
The federal government is asking Canadian to transition to a ‘war economy’ that prioritizes cheap food, water, energy and raw materials in an effort to maintain some notion of economic competitiveness, conflict readiness, and profitability. But is ecological integrity – clean air, clean water, fertile soil, biodiversity and a stable climate – being compromised by these decisions?
The discussion paper, Getting Major Projects Built in Canada, seems to be based on unproven premises – principally, that the regulatory processes that protect people and the environment are a drag to economic expansion and corporate profitability. SAGE would argue that the two most important components of any regulatory process involving industrial activity are public consultation and time – that is, the time it takes to avoid regrettable decisions.
The ideas presented in the discussion paper suggest:
– concurrent impact assessments and project approvals;
– the identification of substantial industrial corridors (Federal Economic Zones) where projects would be pre-approved and dedicated regulatory processes avoided; and,
– that pipeline decisions are to be streamlined by the Governor in Council if a project is considered ‘in the public interest’.
The paper makes recommendations on offsetting environmental impacts or exempting projects from Species-at-Risk considerations; allowing Ministerial decision-making that bypasses robust public consultation and debate; lowering regulations, standards and ‘assessment conditions’ to make projects more ‘economically feasible’; and allowing construction to be initiated prior to the approval of permits. This corporate wish-list undermines environmental protection in Canada at a time when we can least afford to risk additional losses to ecological integrity.
Haste makes waste: accelerating industrial projects by limiting or avoiding proper assessment has the potential of causing more harm than benefits. In this context, haste undermines our future. A foundational notion of all economy is that it is dependent on a healthy and robust environment. The economic benefits of industrial activity can no longer externalize costs to the environment so as to secure greater profits that satisfy shareholders. If it is ‘in the public interest’, it must be in the interest of maintaining ecological integrity.
SAGE understands the political and economic challenges facing Canada. The discussion paper, Getting Major Projects Built in Canada, suggests that a healthy environment is a luxury that can be eschewed in the interests of the economy. Nothing could be further from the truth. We hope that the Government of Canada will reassess its priorities around preserving a livable future for all Canadians.