Quebec and Ottawa agree to streamline environmental assessments

Quebec and the federal government have reached an agreement in principle to simplify environmental reviews for major infrastructure and resource projects, including mines, ports and pipelines. Under the deal, projects that fall under Quebec's jurisdiction would be reviewed only by the province, with both governments saying the change is meant to reduce duplication and speed up decisions. Quebec Environment Minister Pascale Déry and federal minister Joel Lightbound announced the agreement on Monday. The plan is now in a public consultation period, with residents and groups given 21 days to raise concerns before the deal is finalized, likely within a month. Some environmental groups criticized the timing and length of the consultation, saying the process could weaken oversight. The governments said the agreement would keep environmental standards in place while making assessments more efficient.