OTTAWA, ON, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking steps to build a stronger and more resilient economy. That's why the Governments of Canada and Alberta are working to streamline environmental and impact assessments for major projects.

Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, and Nature and the Honourable Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, announced the signing of the Co-operation Agreement between Alberta and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment.

Canada and Alberta will implement a streamlined and flexible impact assessment process that minimises duplication and delivers major projects faster while reinforcing strong environmental protections and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Building on the November 2025 Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the co-operation agreement will ensure both governments can adopt the most effective assessment process on a case-by-case basis.

The new co-operation agreement will enable the conditions necessary to get major infrastructure built faster. Together, we are unlocking and growing natural resource production and transportation in Alberta to position Canada as a leading destination for investment.

This co-operation underscores our efforts to build a stronger, sustainable, prosperous economy in Alberta and across the country. At this pivotal moment, federal-provincial cooperation is enabling practical, outcome-based approaches that provide regulatory certainty for investors that supports growth, innovation, and opportunities for workers and businesses.

Quotes

"Through this co-operation agreement with Alberta, we are supporting development that builds a stronger economy, creates good jobs, and protects the environment. This agreement ensures we are delivering results for Canadians and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples."
— The Hon. Julie Aviva Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

Quick facts

• Today's agreement between Canada and Alberta is the sixth of its kind, following Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, New Brunswick, and a previously established agreement on impact assessments with British Columbia.
• The agreement was informed by feedback from Indigenous groups, the public, industry, and stakeholders.
• In November 2025, Canada and Alberta signed an MOU that strengthens federal-provincial collaboration in the energy sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, unlock the full potential of Alberta's energy resources, support export diversification, and create hundreds of thousands of new high-paying jobs for Canadians.
• Canada and Alberta continue to make good progress on all the elements of the MOU. This work will extend over the coming weeks to ensure it is done right. Both governments are focused on moving forward as quickly as possible to provide certainty.

Related products

• Co-operation Agreement between Alberta and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment

Associated links

• Basics of co-operation in federal impact assessments
• Impact assessment process
• Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

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SOURCE Impact Assessment Agency of Canada