Ottawa planning ‘up-front’ approval for projects deemed in the national interest [Video]

The Liberal government will introduce legislation to assist in identifying projects in the national interest and provide “up-front regulatory approvals” to major projects, according to a federal document obtained by CBC News.

“Once a project is determined to be in the national interest, federal reviews will shift from ‘whether’ to build these projects to ‘how’ to best advance them,” the document reads.

“It will streamline multiple decision points for federal approval and minimize the risk of not securing project approval following extensive project work.”

The document was prepared by the Privy Council Office (PCO) and shared with Indigenous groups to outline the aims of proposed legislation. The PCO is the lead branch of the civil service, providing support to the prime minister and the cabinet.

The document states the legislation is likely to be introduced in early June. The Globe and Mail first reported this Thursday.

The legislation aims to …