An agreement signed between officials of Canada and province Newfoundland and Labrador will enable a "one project, one review" approach, providing a streamlined assessment process that minimises duplication for projects in Newfoundland and Labrador that are subject to both federal and provincial assessments.

The agreement, signed between representatives of the environmental ministries of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Canada, ensures both governments can adopt the most effective assessment process on a case-by-case basis.

Overall, the Canadian government is focused on building a stronger, more independent and more resilient economy by accelerating development projects in partnership with provinces and territories.

"The agreement provides a simplified and more predictable approach that upholds federal and provincial responsibilities for environmental protection and Indigenous Peoples rights. It also promotes coordinated communication, information sharing, and affirms the importance of consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples throughout the assessment process," says Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson on behalf of Canadian Environment, Climate Change and Nature Minister Julie Dubrasin.

She adds that the Agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador will help create the conditions to build infrastructure faster, just like those agreements [the federal government has put in place] with British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

"The agreement will attract more investment in new infrastructure that will grow the economy, support workers and their families, and create high-paying careers from coast to coast to coast," Thompson notes.

Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc agrees, saying by reducing duplication and coordinating impact assessments, Canada is creating greater certainty for investors and Indigenous rights holders and helping major projects move more efficiently.