March 6, 2026 • Alberta, Canada
HAVE YOUR SAY - Before March 27, 2026: Alberta, Canada Drafted Landmark Deal to Slash Red Tape on Resource Projects: Single Assessment Process to Replace Federal-Provincial Duplication - Full Infograph Inside
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has released a draft Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment with Alberta, delivering on a November 2025 MOU commitment. The draft framework establishes a single assessment process that relies on Alberta's provincial processes whenever possible, aiming to eliminate duplication and provide regulatory certainty. IAAC is seeking public and Indigenous feedback from March 6 to March 27, 2026, before finalizing the agreement.
📝 SMikhail
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April 1, 2026
MOU Deadline
The draft agreement fulfills a commitment made in the November 27, 2025, MOU to negotiate a co-operation agreement on or before this date.
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Key Acts Addressed
The agreement coordinates processes under Canada's Impact Assessment Act (IAA) and Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).
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2 Years
Federal Assessment Timeline
Canada commits to issuing federal assessment decisions within a maximum of two years from receipt of the initial project description.
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Section 35
Indigenous Rights Affirmed
Both parties commit to respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by the Constitution Act, 1982.
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Clause 6(1)(a)
Federal Deference to Provincial Conditions
Where duplication is identified, federal conditions will defer to provincial conditions and authority when applicable provincial legislation exists.
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March 6–27, 2026
Public Feedback Period
IAAC is seeking feedback from Indigenous Peoples and the public on the draft agreement during this 21-day consultation window.
- For projects primarily within provincial jurisdiction, Canada will recognize Alberta as best placed to undertake an assessment and will rely on Alberta's environmental assessment or regulatory processes.
- This reliance includes, as applicable, addressing adverse effects within federal jurisdiction as defined in the IAA.
- For projects that are or include a federal work/undertaking or are on federal land, Canada commits to integrating Alberta's process requirements into the federal assessment, if applicable and desired by Alberta.
- The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Alberta Regulator (under EPEA) will notify each other as early as possible of potential projects subject to both acts.
- They will work with proponents early to identify federal and provincial responsibilities, legislative authorities, and potential requirements.
- The Alberta Regulator will share information on how it can address adverse effects within federal jurisdiction; IAAC will share relevant information with the Alberta Regulator.
- If both federal and provincial assessments apply, the parties commit to a single assessment process meeting the legislative requirements of both jurisdictions, with roles and timelines arranged by IAAC and the Alberta Regulator.
- IAAC and provincial decision-makers will jointly review potential conditions to minimize duplication and align descriptions, terminology, and deadlines.
- Where duplication of conditions is identified, federal conditions will defer to provincial conditions and authority if applicable provincial legislation exists.
- Canada and Alberta will develop a co-operative approach to coordinate federal and provincial permitting activities.
- For projects primarily within provincial jurisdiction, Canada recognizes Alberta as best placed to consult with Indigenous Peoples pursuant to Alberta's consultation policies and practices.
- IAAC and Alberta commit to respecting Section 35 rights, supporting meaningful Indigenous participation, and incorporating Indigenous perspectives in assessments.
- The agreement does not limit the ability of either Party to co-operate or enter into arrangements with Indigenous Peoples respecting assessments.
- Canada will work with Indigenous Peoples on the sharing and protection of Indigenous Knowledge; Alberta commits to receiving, sharing, and considering it in accordance with its laws and policies.
- The agreement is currently in draft form and open for public and Indigenous feedback until March 27, 2026.
- IAAC is seeking input on the draft provisions before finalizing the agreement with Alberta.
- The feedback period runs for 21 days, from March 6 to March 27, 2026.
- This consultation aligns with the commitment to transparency and meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples and the public.
- The parties will resolve implementation issues through co-operation and consultation, with a commitment to provide reasonable advance notice of decisions.
- Differences will first be resolved at the working level. If unsuccessful, a senior-level meeting will be held within 10 days.
- If unresolved, the matter may be referred to the President of IAAC and the Deputy Minister-level head of the relevant Alberta Regulator to facilitate resolution.
- The agreement explicitly states that neither party cedes any jurisdiction, right, or power by entering into it.
- Alberta does not acknowledge the IAA is constitutional, as it is challenging the act before the courts.
KEY QUOTES
"When a proposed project is primarily within provincial jurisdiction, Canada will recognize Alberta as best placed to undertake an assessment and will rely on Alberta’s environmental assessment or regulatory processes to assess the effects of the project including, as applicable, to address adverse effects within federal jurisdiction." — Clause 1(1) of the Draft Agreement
"IAAC commits to avoiding duplicative decision-making processes related to assessments by relying on the provincial environmental assessment or regulatory processes in circumstances where Alberta confirms that those processes will address the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction." — Clause 3(1) of the Draft Agreement
"IAAC and the applicable Alberta Regulator will work to coordinate distribution of federal funding for participation in assessment, to the extent practicable, including the provision of funding to Indigenous Peoples to support their participation in assessments conducted under this Agreement." — Clause 9(1) of the Draft Agreement
Alberta
Canada
Impact Assessment
Environmental Assessment
IAA
EPEA
Duplication
Single Assessment Process
Regulatory Certainty
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Minister of Environment Climate Change and Nature
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
IAAC
Indigenous Peoples
Section 35
UNDRIP
Constitutionality
Federal Jurisdiction
Provincial Jurisdiction
Co-operation Agreement
Permitting
Resource Projects
Draft Agreement
Public Consultation
Feedback Period
March 6 2026
March 27 2026
April 1 2026
Two-year timeline
Project Description