Draft Co-operation Agreement on Environmental Impact Assessments Now Open for Public Feedback

Press Release

April 1, 2026

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today released a draft co-operation agreement with the Government of Canada that outlines a coordinated approach to environmental impact assessments.

The proposed agreement is intended to strengthen collaboration between the provincial and federal governments, reduce duplication, support more efficient environmental assessment processes, and attract investment while maintaining strong environmental protections.

A 30-day public comment period for the draft agreement begins today, providing Indigenous governments and organizations, industry, and the public with an opportunity to review the draft and share feedback before it is finalized.

The draft co-operation agreement is available at Let’s talk impact assessment / Parlons évaluation d’impact. Written submissions will be accepted until April 28, 2026, by uploading a submission or providing a comment through the consultation webpage.

Quotes

“The proposed co-operation agreement reflects our shared commitment with the Federal Government to work together on environmental assessments. We want to hear from Indigenous governments and organizations, industry, and the public as we move forward with this agreement.”
Honourable Chris Tibbs
Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change

“Today, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are taking another important step toward a more collaborative, efficient, and transparent impact assessments. This draft co‑operation agreement reflects our shared commitment to ‘one project, one review’ ensuring clarity for proponents, stronger protections for the environment, and meaningful participation for Indigenous Peoples.”
Honourable Julie Aviva Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

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Learn more
Environment, Conservation and Climate Change – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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