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Petroleum, mining associations support Canada streamlining regulatory process |
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Written by André Voshart
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The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) welcome and support federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver’s call for regulatory reform to improve the federal government’s project review process, which he described as “slow, complex and cumbersome.”
CAPP president Dave Collyer said the existing federal regulatory framework imposes conflicting requirements and creates complex, uncoordinated processes for the review of projects. This cumulative regulatory burden is too often characterized by duplication, delays and incremental costs that undermine economic viability without contributing to better environmental protection.
“The three broad themes that must underlie regulatory reform are balancing environmental and economic considerations, improving governmental coordination and tightening process timelines and effectiveness,” he said.
With more than $137 billion of capital investment expected in Canada's mining sector over the next five years, an effective and efficient regulatory system is now more important than ever. MAC members are committed to responsible development and welcome rigorous and timely regulation.
"We agree with the Minister's assertion that viable, responsibly developed mining projects should not die in the approval phase due to unnecessary delays," said Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of MAC. "The mining industry's ability to bring prosperity to communities across Canada is directly linked to an efficient and effective regulatory process. We'll be hiring over 100,000 people in the coming decade, but only if we can have projects approved and built in a timely fashion. Demand for our natural resources is stronger than it has been in generations — we should capitalize on that demand for the benefit of all Canadians."
Regulatory competitiveness is key to Canada’s oil and gas industry attracting investment capital, growing employment and the economy. Concerted broadly based regulatory reform is required to advance Canada’s competitive position. Regulatory reform represents a significant opportunity to improve competitiveness while ensuring responsible environmental outcomes.
“It is important to look for ways to reduce administrative burdens on both the public and private sector while improving environmental performance and providing companies with efficient, timely and predictable regulatory processes,” Collyer said. “Such an initiative requires scope and reach across federal departments and coordination with provincial governments.”
In his open letter, Oliver said, “We believe reviews for major projects can be accomplished in a quicker and more streamlined fashion. We do not want projects that are safe, generate thousands of new jobs and open up new export markets, to die in the approval process due to unnecessary delays.”
www.mining.ca
www.capp.ca
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