e-6738 (Natural resources and energy)

Mandate a full, independent environmental and climate impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act, including baseline and bi-annual water testing for residential wells:

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada assessed the Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project (the project) and, after careful review, decided at an early stage that no further assessment is required for the project proposed by PROENERGY Holding Company Inc. (the proponent), located in New Brunswick.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada considered each of the following factors:

• the Initial Project Description, and the Response to the Summary of Issues, as submitted by the proponent pursuant to sections 10 and 15 of the Impact Assessment Act;
• the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project;
• adverse impacts that the project may have on the rights of Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
• comments received by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada from Indigenous groups, the public, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the project, as reflected in the Summary of Issues;
• any relevant assessment referred to in section 92, 93 or 95 of the Impact Assessment Act; and,
• whether a means other than an impact assessment exists that would permit a jurisdiction to address the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, and the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project.

In light of the factors considered, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is of the view that the potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or direct or incidental adverse effects, from the project would be limited or addressed through existing federal and provincial legislative and regulatory frameworks. This includes but is not limited to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act, the New Brunswick Clean Environment Act, the New Brunswick Clean Water Act, the New Brunswick Clean Air Act, and the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation Act. As a result, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada decided that no further assessment under the Impact Assessment Act is required for the project. The Government of Canada is committed to monitoring the project closely and will continue to work with the province to ensure Canadians and our environment are protected.

Designate the Chignecto Isthmus, including the Tantramar Marsh and adjacent wetlands, as federally protected areas:

There are currently three National Wildlife Areas within the Isthmus: the Tintamarre, Chignecto and John Lusby Marsh National Wildlife Areas. There are not currently efforts being made to consider the Chignecto Isthmus and Tantramar Marsh federally protected areas as a whole.

Enforce federal environmental laws protecting water, wildlife, and public health:

With respect to environmental laws protecting wildlife, the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994) and Species at Risk Act (2002) if migratory birds or species at risk are present.

The Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, protect migratory birds, their eggs and their nests, by prohibiting activities that may harm them. Modernization of the Migratory Birds Convention Act in 2022 has additionally identified 18 species of birds whose nests are protected year-round.

Support renewable energy projects that align with climate goals, and local community interests; and establish a buffer zone between the gas plant and residential areas to mitigate industrial noise:

The Government of Canada is committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, an ambitious target enshrined in law through the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency for Canada’s climate action.  

In Budget 2025, the Government of Canada released a Climate Competitiveness Strategy that aims to boost Canada’s economy and position us as a leader in clean growth and decarbonization. Addressing climate change is no longer just a moral obligation; it’s an economic imperative. The Strategy creates the conditions to drive the investments needed to build a prosperous net-zero future in which Canadian businesses and industry are well-positioned to compete and lead in the global low-carbon economy. With that said, the Government of Canada remains committed to the United Nations Paris Agreement. While the international and economic context has shifted significantly over the past few years, we remain committed to our interim emission reductions targets and net-zero emissions by 2050 and know that more work is needed. With the Climate Competitiveness Strategy, the Government of Canada is building a path to enhance economic competitiveness and build certainty for investors, while at the same time, continuing to take strong action to reduce emissions in support of a healthy environment. 

The Government of Canada will build new projects that further Canada’s standing as a renewable energy superpower. We will enable initiatives such as electricity grid interties, renewable energy projects and high-speed rail.

Protecting nature is also central to Canada’s climate and economic strategy. Canada’s lands and waters underpin our prosperity, security, and climate resilience, generating an estimated $3.6 trillion annually in ecosystem benefits while acting as vital carbon sinks and natural defenses against climate impacts. Through Canada’s recently announced nature strategy, A Force of Nature, the Government of Canada is advancing its commitment to protect 30 percent of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030, working in close partnership with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, municipalities, industry, and conservation leaders. By investing billions of dollars in conservation, mapping carbon and biodiversity-rich landscapes, mobilizing private capital, and integrating science-based planning into development decisions, Canada is ensuring that environmental protection and economic competitiveness advance together for the benefit of current and future generations.

The transition to net zero by 2050 will require clean, renewable power to meet growing electricity demand. The Clean Electricity Regulations aim to reduce emissions to protect the environment and human health from the threat of climate change. The Regulations provide a mix of compliance flexibilities and do not prescribe specific technological solutions.