Alberta launches new court battle against federal government over impact assessment act
- Alberta has launched a second legal challenge against the federal Impact Assessment Act regarding infrastructure project approvals.
- The Supreme Court of Canada previously indicated in a non-binding opinion that the federal government overstepped its constitutional authority.
- The ongoing legal conflicts highlight a broader struggle between provincial and federal jurisdiction in environmental regulation.
In November 2024, Alberta, led by Premier Danielle Smith, initiated a second court challenge against the federal government's Impact Assessment Act (IAA). The legal action stems from the province's long-standing opposition to the IAA, which aims to review major infrastructure projects like mines and pipelines on environmental grounds. Despite amendments made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government in June, which were intended to align with a recent non-binding Supreme Court opinion stating Ottawa overstepped its constitutional authority, Alberta maintains that the federal government is infringing upon provincial jurisdiction. Smith argues that allowing federal ministers the discretion to approve projects within provincial jurisdictions is both inappropriate and irresponsible. This legal challenge adds to Alberta's already extensive list of ongoing legal battles with the federal government, which includes issues surrounding firearms regulation. In response to Smith's actions, federal ministers criticized her for prioritizing divisive politics over collaboration, warning that her stance puts numerous projects at risk. They emphasized the importance of clarity and certainty in regulatory processes to protect economic interests in Alberta. As this legal battle unfolds, Albertan officials anticipate support from other provinces that had previously joined in legal actions concerning the IAA.