Our newsletter, 02 July 2026
Feds to speed up project approvals
Our latest blog, from law firm Torys LLP, looked at Ottawa’s promises to speed up federal approvals for resource projects, along with a new program to support Indigenous consultation.
An accelerated approvals timeline would be used for all federal project approvals: one year for the proponent to come up with the required studies and information, followed by a maximum of one additional year for all federal decision-making.
At the same time, a Crown consultation hub will be created to ensure that each Indigenous group affected by a major project goes through one coordinated consultation process for each project.
- Read more: https://bit.ly/4xSxncb
LNG Canada emissions in the air
There has been much debate, marked by much confusing information, about emissions from LNG Canada, as a mechanical problem means more flaring of natural gas (burning it into the air) than was anticipated.
The BC Energy Regulator moved to set the record straight with a report that it has reviewed the extra flaring and finds “the effect of the increased flaring volumes on local air quality is small to negligible.” And it added that the flares “have not had a measurable impact on local air quality.”
- Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QGWCO0
Then LNG Canada gave its own report in a media interview, saying air monitoring shows pollutant levels well below provincial objectives despite months of elevated flaring. “We are not seeing an increase of pollutants in the Kitimat airshed.”
The company also addressed concerns over emissions of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, known collectively as BTEX. “To give you context, LNG Canada emits less than half of the average Canadian gas station.”
- Read the news story: https://bit.ly/4vEWI82
Earlier, at an LNG Canada open house at Kitimat, the company said it has ordered a replacement for the piece of equipment that has led to the extra flaring. It added: “We’ve actually decreased flaring by 30 percent in the last six months. We have a task force in place now to work on further reduction opportunities.”
- Read this story: https://bit.ly/4oU6UXx
Cedar LNG’s special anniversary
The Haisla Nation’s Cedar LNG project marked on June 25 the second anniversary of the Final Investment decision from the Nation and Canadian partner Pembina Pipeline Corporation.
“We’re on track to deliver the world’s first cargo of Indigenous-led LNG by 2028, setting a new standard for how resource development can be done responsibly, and with Indigenous values and traditions at the helm.”
- Cedar LNG’s posting: https://bit.ly/4gc4bGK
Cedar LNG is also in its peak spending year on construction in BC. “It’s all coming together.” https://bit.ly/4xOUTGV
And Cedar welcomed a group of Haisla Elders to the Cedar LNG marine terminal site for a tour. “Their advice, guidance, and knowledge have been instrumental in shaping Cedar LNG from Day One: https://bit.ly/4akBNOZ
Indigenous Clean Energy
- Seven Ontario First Nations are to be part owners of a new nuclear reactor: https://bit.ly/4uPHNGE Watch also this video: https://bit.ly/4ezLvyc (Photo above)
- Ottawa announces largest Indigenous loan guarantee to support Ontario nuclear project: https://bit.ly/4afogYZ
- Manitoba Hydro will consider up to 11 proposals to build new wind farms in which Indigenous nations are partners: https://bit.ly/3Sij5S5
- Feds put $21.6 million into a Manitoba renewable-energy project led by Sayisi Dene First Nation: https://bit.ly/4xUsXS4
- Eagle Lake First Nation in Ontario will have a 50% equity partnership in an electricity-storage battery project: https://bit.ly/3Sp9Yir
- Homalco FN puts out welcome mat to BC hydroelectric dams: https://bit.ly/44FS8KF
- Innu First Nation of Nutashkuan and Hydro-Québec prepare for partnerships in hydropower, electricity transmission and wind power: https://bit.ly/4eJdZXP
ALSO IN THE NEWS
- Inside Kanata LNG, BC’s newest proposed LNG export project, with an Alberta Cree Nation a prime investor: https://bit.ly/4wfjROh And watch this interview, as Stewart Muir of Resource Works talks with Robert Delamar of Kanata LNG: https://bit.ly/3R4A61C
- How growing natural gas, LNG, and oil production can benefit every Canadian, including Indigenous communities: https://bit.ly/4w3A4G9
- The ‘When Our Nation Builds’ report examines “the substantial benefits from working in partnership with Indigenous Nations and leveraging some of the world’s lowest-emissions LNG”: https://bit.ly/4f8AF2H
- How BC has moved from ‘abundant electricity’ to more dams and a return to natural-gas power: https://bit.ly/3SoVC1u
EVENTS
- July 14-16, Assembly of First Nations, annual assembly, Ottawa: https://bit.ly/4gC6PFS
- Sept. 14: Get it Done BC event from Resource Works, Vancouver: https://bit.ly/4g5BgEb
- Sept. 21-23. Energy Storage Canada conference, Toronto: https://bit.ly/4eCvDuZ
- Sept. 21-25, International Pipeline Conference and Expo, Calgary: https://ow.ly/NmxS50Y5Kag
- Sept. 22-23: Canadian Institute forum on Indigenous energy ownership and governance, Edmonton: https://bit.ly/3QXGKqs
- Sept. 25: Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s annual Indigenous Opportunities Forum,Vancouver: https://bit.ly/3SnEBof
- Oct. 19-21, Electricity Transformation Canada conference, Toronto: https://bit.ly/4g1G51w
- Oct. 20-22: Tenth annual Nation2Nation Forum, Kitimat: https://bit.ly/4nvUogl
- Oct. 26-29: Canadian Gas Association, CGA Energy Week, Toronto: https://bit.ly/4vrupdw
- Nov. 17-19: Marine Renewables Canada Conference, Ottawa: https://bit.ly/4ezd2Bj
2027 EVENTS
- Jan. 19-21, 24th annual BC Natural Resources Forum, Prince George: https://bit.ly/4vcSF25
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