Martin Ignasiak comments in Lexpert's Special Edition on Energy on the federal government’s One Canadian Economy Act—and its promises to accelerate the approval process for critical infrastructure projects including in the energy sector.
Martin says that over the past ten years, “it’s become increasingly difficult to build important projects in this country.” There has been an increased “pancaking” of policies—one on top of the other—that has prevented investors from being certain whether or when their project will be built.
He says that many investors who would like to invest in energy infrastructure projects aren’t prepared to go through the years-long process it could take. However, Martin hopes the new legislation will ease that problem. “From my perspective, this act is very good in the sense that it provides for the ability to approve projects in the national interest on a more timely basis.”
Martin emphasizes that Indigenous engagement remains a legal and ethical priority under the new law. “Partnerships with Indigenous communities are critical not only for legal compliance but for legitimacy and long-term success.”
Bennett Jones