Energy and Environmental Policy Trends: Demystifying Bill C-69: The Project List

Abstract

Controversial federal Bill C-69 passed in June 2019, with its major piece of legislation, the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), coming into force August 28, 2019. The IAA replaces the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA), establishing a new regime for assessing the impacts of major infrastructure projects and physical activities in Canada. Some critics fear the new legislation will make it more difficult to build oil and gas pipelines, especially. Is the backlash over the IAA justified? What exactly has changed from CEAA? For insight, we can compare: 1) the types of projects subject to the regime; 2) the assessment process; 3) on what basis the final decision is made. This Policy Trends tackles the first point.