The Quebec government plans to change its environmental assessment procedures – which could affect the mining sector – by cutting timelines potentially in half.
Environment Minister Bernard Drainville announced this week that the current system takes up too much time and bureaucracy, estimating that assessments typically take between 18 and 20 months, according to reports from the Montreal Gazette.
He emphasized that the changes aim to improve efficiency without compromising environmental standards.
The revised process will comprise early meetings between developers and government officials, as well as initial public and Indigenous consultations. Drainville suggested this approach would allow developers to address ‘social acceptability’ concerns earlier on. However, the nine-month timeline cap won’t include the initial consultation period or the time developers spend preparing their proposals. The new system is to also introduce paperless processes.
Ontario, BC, feds
Quebec’s plans to accelerate assessments follow similar moves this year by Ontario, British Columbia and the federal government that seek to cut red tape and streamline permitting to get mining projects off the ground faster.
The announcement precedes the tabling of a bill by Finance Minister Eric Girard, aimed at expediting approval for large-scale projects. The bill will maintain existing environmental and Indigenous consultation standards, Girard said. However, similar federal legislation has faced criticism for potentially circumventing these requirements.
Drainville stated that the assessment changes and the forthcoming major projects bill are aligned in their objectives. These developments signal a shift in Quebec’s approach to project approvals, with potential implications for the mining industry and environmental protection measures.
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