The federal government has announced that it will not challenge a recent court ruling deeming Ottawa’s Impact Assessment Act unconstitutional.
In October, the Alberta Court of Appeal determined that certain aspects of the legislation continue to violate provincial authority, despite amendments made by Ottawa following the Supreme Court’s invalidation of significant portions of the law in 2023.
A representative for Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin informed The Canadian Press that Ottawa plans to modify the act in response to last month’s court ruling.
The Impact Assessment Act, referred to as Bill C-69, has faced strong opposition from stakeholders in the oil and gas sector and has been criticized as the “no more pipelines act” by federal Conservatives and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has consistently advocated for the repeal of the legislation.
Dabrusin’s office did not specify when it would release information regarding the intended modifications.
In a joint statement with provincial Justice Minister Mickey Amery, Smith described the ruling as a victory for Albertans.
“Provincial jurisdiction is constitutionally protected, and we are pleased to see the federal government acknowledging the court’s ruling and planning to amend the Impact Assessment Act,” Amery stated.
“This will require a substantial revision of the law, eliminating all federal involvement in intra-provincial infrastructure initiatives.”
