The Supreme Court of Canada building in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo 140436662 © Spiroview Inc. | Dreamstime.com)

By Christian Oldale with files from The Canadian Press

Danielle Smith, Jason Kenney, others react to Supreme Court’s ruling on environmental review law

Oct 15, 2023 | 8:41 AM

OTTAWA, ON – The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that the federal government’s Bill C69, otherwise known as the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), is unconstitutional.

On the morning of Friday, October 13, 2023, Canada’s top court ruled against federal legislation dealing with the environmental effects of major developments.

Five out of seven judges found most of the law unconstitutional, because it seeks to regulate activities within provincial jurisdiction.

Many major political figures reacted to the decision, including Alberta premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery.

In a joint statement, Smith and Amery said, “This legislation is already responsible for the loss of tens of billions in investment as well as thousands of jobs across many provinces and economic sectors. The ruling today represents an opportunity for all provinces to stop that bleeding and begin the process of re-attracting those investments and jobs into our economies.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

16h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney also released a statement regarding the news.

Kenney said, “Today’s Supreme Court decision striking down the Trudeau government’s destructive Impact Assessment Act is a massive victory for both the Canadian federation and economy! It is the most important decision on the ground rules of our federation since patriation in 1982.”

Alberta Opposition NDP energy critic Kathleen Ganley weighed in, “We need clear rules for major economic projects and we don’t have those. The system for project approvals remains broken and it’s time for the federal and provincial governments to end the political bluster and to collaborate on a proper set of rules.”

The Impact Assessment Act is now the second such piece of legislation to be thrown out by the courts.

In 2016, the Federal Court of Appeal struck down assessment legislation passed by the Conservative government of Stephen Harper.

READ MORE: Supreme Court rules against federal environmental impact law

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.