The Canadian province of New Brunswick has made history by becoming the first to sign the federal “one project, one review” agreement. This significant milestone in the Canadian environmental assessment sector, aims to streamline the review process for major projects, thus reducing red tape, and accelerating economic development while ensuring the protection of the environment.

Understanding the “One Project, One Review” Agreement

The “one project, one review” agreement is part of Canada’s broader efforts to modernize the environmental assessment process for major projects. The agreement was designed to eliminate duplication, reduce delays, and improve the predictability of the review process. This is achieved by conducting only one environmental review for each major project, which will be undertaken jointly by federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

New Brunswick Leading the Way

New Brunswick’s decision to sign this agreement reflects its commitment to fostering economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability. This approach aligns with the province’s broader strategic objectives of creating jobs, growing the economy, and protecting the environment for future generations.

The Impact on Major Projects

The “one project, one review” agreement will have a significant impact on how major projects are reviewed in New Brunswick and across Canada. With this streamlined process, businesses can expect more predictability and less red tape when planning and executing major projects. This could potentially spur economic growth by attracting more investment into the province.

The Role of the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Governments

The agreement is based on a collaborative approach between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This ensures that all levels of government are involved in the review process, thereby enhancing the comprehensiveness and credibility of the assessments. It also fosters better coordination and communication between different governmental bodies, which is crucial for managing complex major projects.

Looking Towards the Future

New Brunswick’s decision to sign the “one project, one review” agreement sets a precedent for other provinces and territories. It illustrates how collaborative approaches can lead to more efficient and effective environmental assessments. This is a promising step towards ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability in Canada.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

See Full Bio