Unceded Algonquin Territory — Ottawa, ON | July 29, 2026

Nature Canada has submitted its response to the federal government’s “Getting Major Projects Built in Canada” discussion paper, urging Prime Minister Carney and Cabinet to pursue reforms that benefit nature and the economy, rather than the proposed changes that weaken environmental safeguards and permit broad political discretion over what should be science-based decisions. The federal government’s consultation is expected to inform forthcoming legislation on major project approvals.

Nature Canada’s submission outlines that bypassing environmental review processes will not accelerate construction, but will instead entrench legal uncertainty, trigger constitutional friction with Indigenous People, and jeopardize Canada’s international trade commitments, all while putting species and habitats at risk.

“Nature Canada placed great faith in the 2030 Nature Strategy and welcomed the Prime Minister’s historic $3.8 billion investment earlier this year. We are puzzled how the government can simultaneously commit to historic nature protection while floating proposals that will move Canada in the wrong direction. Economic and environmental policies must be coherent for either to succeed. The most efficient way to build well is to put nature up front – identifying environmental risks early, avoiding conflict where possible, and providing certainty for communities, Indigenous partners, investors, and proponents alike.”
— Emily McMillan, Executive Director at Nature Canada

Nature Canada’s submission concludes that the premise outlined in the discussion paper that environmental regulations are the ‘red tape’ that is preventing major projects from succeeding is false. And that this overlooks the time required to build major projects and the impacts of factors such as price variability on resources over time that make these projects financially unviable to developers to continue.

“The effort to redefine environmental responsibility as mere ‘red tape’ is dangerously short-sighted. Environmental assessment is not an impediment to economic development; it is the ‘credit check’ before we write the loan. It is due diligence, fiduciary responsibility, and the only way to build prosperity that endures. Replacing objective legal standards with political discretion squanders social licence and invites endless litigation. Nature must be treated as an economic ally, not an obstacle.”
— Akaash Maharaj, Director of Policy at Nature Canada

Constructive Paths Forward

Rather than weakening environmental protection, Nature Canada urges the federal government to adopt practical solutions that accelerate project delivery while maintaining environmental integrity:

1. Early and Concurrent Assessments: Conduct environmental assessments and permit reviews simultaneously, early in project planning, allowing regulators to guide proponents before major capital is spent.
2. Whole-of-Government Mitigation Hierarchy: Apply a clear hierarchy across all departments: set ecological baselines, avoid harms, minimize unavoidable impacts, restore ecosystems, and only then look to offset residual effects.
3. Pre-Project Regional Assessments: Conduct high-quality regional cumulative assessments prior to soliciting proposals to identify where development can proceed without risking ecosystem collapse.
4. Natural Capital Accounting: Integrate the federal Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting into project evaluations to reflect the true economic value of natural assets in decision-making.

Read the full submission here.

Since 1939, Nature Canada has been the voice for nature. We work towards a Canada where nature is restored, thriving and an integral part of everyday life, rooted in all the decisions that shape our shared future. In all our work, we recognize Indigenous Peoples as the stewards of these lands and waters, honouring their knowledges and wisdom, and supporting their leadership in conservation and governance.

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For more information contact: 

Scott Mullenix
613-562-3447 ext. 230
media@naturecanada.ca