Alberta tables bill to fast-track major project approvals

By Your Southwest Media Group

Alberta’s government has introduced legislation it says would speed up approvals for major projects deemed critical to the province’s economic future.

If passed, Bill 30, the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, would create a 120-day approval timeline for qualifying projects in an effort to reduce delays and improve Alberta’s competitiveness for global investment.

Under the proposed legislation, projects would need to align with provincial priorities, be considered strategically important to the economy and involve at least $250 million in capital investment to qualify.

Project proponents would also have to complete, or substantially complete, the environmental impact assessment process and Indigenous consultation before being considered for a qualified designation. The province said the bill would not change Alberta’s duty to consult.

“The world needs Alberta oil and gas now more than ever,” Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean said in a statement. “Taking action to accelerate the approval process is critical for Alberta to unleash its energy potential and ensure a sustainable sector for decades to come.”

The province said delays and duplication in project approvals have driven investment away from Canada, including $12 billion in energy investment to the United States in 2025, while global demand for Alberta’s energy continues to grow.

Under the bill, a new project co-ordination review team within Executive Council would assess major project applications and make recommendations to a committee of deputy ministers. If a project is approved by that committee, cabinet would designate it through an order-in-council.

That order-in-council would then trigger a 120-day approval clock for regulators. The same timeline would apply to all subsequent required permits once they are received by the regulator.

Chris Flett, business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 955, said the union supports the proposed legislation.

“We’re pleased the government has tabled this critical legislation to speed up major project approvals in Alberta without sacrificing safety, the environment and important Indigenous consultation,” Flett said. “A 120-day approval process is not only good for business, but also for hard-working tradespeople who rely on building and maintaining these major projects to support their families and communities.”

The government said the legislation builds on the Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding by prioritizing infrastructure needed to increase production while reducing emissions.

It also said the proposed process would complement a recent federal-provincial agreement allowing Canada to rely on Alberta’s environmental and regulatory system for projects primarily within provincial jurisdiction.

The province noted the Energy and Minerals mandate letter issued in October 2025 directed work toward an expedited 120-day provincial approval process for projects designated to be in the provincial interest.

It also pointed to a November 2025 agreement between Canada and Alberta aimed at more than doubling oil exports to Asian markets, addressing investment uncertainty and reducing emissions.

Alberta said consultation is not part of the 120-day permitting process, but its duty to consult remains in place for any project that may affect Treaty rights.