Accelerating major project approvals

Overview

If passed, Bill 30, the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, will help accelerate major project development in the energy, mining and industrial sectors and increase Alberta’s ability to compete for new investment required to increase production and reach global markets.

Proposed changes would introduce a process to ensure approvals for qualified projects are completed in 120 days to reduce duplication, eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure better coordination among government and regulatory bodies while protecting the public and environment. The bill would set out eligible project criteria, application requirements, approval processes and timelines for proponents, government and regulators.

The current major project approval process can create uncertainty, with federal barriers estimated to have driven at least $12 billion in capital investment from Canadian-based energy companies to the U.S. in 2025.

With this legislation, Alberta’s government would build on the Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding by prioritizing the development of critical infrastructure needed to increase production while reducing emissions. The province’s accelerated process would also complement the recent federal-provincial agreement allowing Canada to rely on Alberta’s environmental and regulatory system for projects primarily within provincial jurisdiction.

Key changes

If passed, Bill 30 will require:

• project proponents to demonstrate that the environmental impact assessment process and proponent-led Indigenous consultation have made meaningful progress – appropriate to the circumstances of each proposed project and in accordance with Alberta’s consultation policies – before seeking expedited status 
  • Nothing in the proposed legislation alters or limits the Crown’s duty to consult or constitutionally protected Section 35 rights. If a project is approved for qualified designation and proceeds through the 120-day permitting process, consultation may still be ongoing when the 120-day clock begins.
• Alberta’s government to set up a review process to assess major project applications and make recommendations to Cabinet for approval. Once approved, Cabinet would issue an Order in Council, which would identify all required approvals for the project and start a 120-day clock for regulators.
  • Qualified project criteria would include:
    • aligning with the province’s priorities
    • being of strategic importance to Alberta’s economy
    • having a minimum capital investment of $250 million
    • advancing national and provincial security while respecting Alberta’s areas of jurisdiction and autonomy

Next steps

If passed, Bill 30, the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, will come into force upon proclamation. 

Details on review and approval process would be developed in the subsequent regulations. 

Alberta’s government would establish a review and support process through a newly-created Project Coordination Review Team within Executive Council to assess major project applications and make recommendations to a committee of Deputy Ministers. 

Once a qualified project is approved by the committee, Cabinet would issue an Order in Council expediting approval timelines. The issuance of the Order in Council would trigger a 120-day approval clock for the regulators, with the same timeline requirement applying for all subsequent required permits upon receipt by the regulator.

News

• Faster approvals for major projects (April 14, 2026)
• Alberta to streamline major project approvals (March 24, 2026)

Related

• Alberta major projects
• Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding
• Economic dashboard - investment