A federal bill seeking to modify the way energy projects are assessed in Canada is on its way back to the House of Commons.
Yesterday, the Senate voted to pass Bill C-69, but not before recommending some 180 amendments to the Impact Assessment Act.
Key changes proposed by the Senate include: lessening the intervening authority of the environment minister in assessments, restrictions to legal challenges of project approvals, and a greater emphasis on economic impacts.
Since the Senate decision, a number of the Bill’s opponents have come forward to issue praise for the recommendations.
According to the Liberal government, the Bill aims to “fix” the conservative-era assessment legislation.
Opponents of the Bill say it would be devastating to future petroleum projects, and that it would only serve to divide the country further.
Bill C-69 will now head back to the House as they decide which recommendations to accept.
