Nova Scotia and Ottawa agree to streamline approval process for environmental projects
Posted Mar 27, 2026 12:25:15 PM.
Last Updated Mar 27, 2026 12:25:18 PM.
The Nova Scotia Government and Ottawa have agreed to streamline the approval process for major infrastructure and resource projects.
On Friday, Premier Tim Houston and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a co-operation agreement that they’re calling the one project, one review model.
The province said it is now in effect and applies to projects that need approvals from both levels of government including energy transmission lines that cross interprovincial boundaries, airports, marine terminals and ports, pipelines and some mining projects.
“Today’s agreement between Canada and Nova Scotia enables our governments to build big and build fast, together,” said Carney. “By cutting red tape and streamlining approvals, we will build major infrastructure projects that power our industries, create thousands of high-paying Canadian jobs, and unlock our full potential as a global clean energy superpower.”
The province said the new, single-review process is aimed at removing duplication, shortening review times and increasing regulatory clarity.
Government said decisions on whether to use this model will be made on a project-by-project basis.
