Skip to Content Subscribe Our Offers My Account Manage My Subscriptions FAQ Newsletters Canada Canadian True Crime Canadian Politics Health World Israel & Middle East Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Comics NP News Quiz New York Times Crossword Horoscopes Life Eating & Drinking Style Sponsored Play for Ontario Travel Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Essentials Culture Books Celebrity Movies Music Theatre Television Business Essentials Advice Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Buy Canadian Home Living Outdoor Living Tech Style & Beauty Kitchen & Dining Personal Care Entertainment & Hobbies Gift Guide Travel Guide Deals Savings National Post Store More Sports Hockey Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Golf Tennis Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide Obituaries Place an Obituary Place an In Memoriam Classifieds Place an Ad Celebrations Working Business Ads Archives Healthing Epaper Manage Print Subscription Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ Newsletters Canada World Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Life Shopping Epaper Manage Print Subscription HomeNewsCanadian PoliticsOttawa extends consultation on major projects reform to July 22Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault was one of the fiercest critics of the proposed reform You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc heads to a Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa April 22, 2026. Photo by HYUNGCHEOL PARK /PostmediaOTTAWA — The government that promised to move at speeds not seen in generations is slowing down its pace to allow more consultation on its major projects reform.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorOn May 8, the federal government launched a 30-day consultation period with the Canadian public, Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, on potential changes to regulation aimed to fast-track approval processes for major projects to just one year.The government proposed a suite of measures that critics have said would significantly weaken environmental protections and affect endangered species in the country.They include creating a regulatory system that ensures only one federal decision is needed for major project approvals, “economic zones” where projects would be deemed pre-approved and allowing early construction before the end of an impact assessment.Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault was notably one of the fiercest critics of the proposed reform. He has since announced that he will be resigning as an MP this summer.The government was expected to table legislation before the end of the parliamentary session in June. But with the end of the consultation fast approaching, the government announced on Thursday the public engagement period would be extended until July 22.“Canadians have demonstrated a strong interest in these proposed reforms and have already provided thoughtful and constructive feedback,” said Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for One Canadian Economy in a press release.“Extending the engagement period will allow us to hear from even more Canadians and help us develop reforms that reflect the views and priorities of people across the country.”A government source said they had heard from different groups that the proposed 30-day period was too short to submit their input on how to accelerate major projects in Canada.Following the end of the consultation, the government intends to introduce legislation in the fall with hopes it will be adopted quickly.National Post calevesque@postmedia.comOur website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. 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