Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – We are disappointed with the opinion from the Alberta Court of Appeal, which finds the Impact Assessment Act is unconstitutional, in that it goes beyond the federal government’s constitutional jurisdiction. People across Canada – including in Alberta – deserve a robust environmental planning process that safeguards the long-term health of our communities while allowing good projects to be built. Provincial governments should be cooperating with the federal government to protect the environment and tackle the climate crisis, not making it easier for resource extraction companies to decimate the land, air and water by attacking federal laws.

For background information: 

• The Alberta Court of Appeal has released its opinion on the constitutionality of the federal Impact Assessment Act. According to the Alberta Court of Appeal, the Impact Assessment Act goes beyond the federal government’s constitutional authority.
• Environmental Defence was an intervener in the legal challenge, represented by the Canadian Environmental Law Association.
• More information about Environmental Defence’s work on this issue can be found here:
  • Environmental groups in court to defend federal environmental law from attack by the Government of Alberta
  • Why we’re in court this week defending Canada’s Impact Assessment Act from an attack from the Government of Alberta

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

– 30 –

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Barbara Hayes, Environmental Defence, bhayes@environmentaldefence.ca