PM Mark Carney signs deal with N.S. to simplify some environmental reviews

Ottawa and Nova Scotia inked a deal to speed up environmental assessments.

HALIFAX — Prime Minister Mark Carney has agreed with Nova Scotia to simplify federal and provincial environmental approvals for major infrastructure and resource projects.

Carney and Premier Tim Houston announced the deal Friday after the prime minister delivered a brief speech to about 1,100 people at the Halifax Convention Centre, most of which focused on recent announcements about defence spending and public safety.

Before the two men started a private meeting at the downtown hall, Carney said the new agreement -- dubbed the “one project, one review model”-- is based on close co-operation with Nova Scotia.

“It means that we rely on each other, that we don’t duplicate processes that the province is working through on major projects,” Carney said. “And this is hugely important because it’s an incredible time for the province.”

The prime minister went on to cite Houston’s ambitious plan for the Wind West project, which calls for building Canada’s first offshore wind farms at an enormous scale. Carney also mentioned the development of offshore natural gas wells and “energizing” housing.

Houston beamed as he shook hands with the prime minister.

“I’m really excited about the energy opportunities for our country,” the Progressive Conservative premier said. “I share your ambition for Canada to be an energy superpower. I think Nova Scotia can contribute in many ways, certainly with Wind West.”

Houston also mentioned recent wind energy agreements signed with Quebec and Massachusetts.

On Wednesday, Hydro-Quebec said it has issued a formal request for information from energy developers to help it determine timelines and costs for building transmission lines to potentially connect Quebec’s electricity grid with Nova Scotia’s proposed offshore wind farms.

Last month, Nova Scotia and Massachusetts reached a memorandum of understanding committing the two governments to share expertise as they develop their respective offshore wind sectors.

On Friday, the Nova Scotia government issued a statement saying the new, federal-provincial agreement on environmental assessments is aimed at removing duplication, shortening review times and increasing regulatory clarity. It said decisions on whether to use this one-review approach will be made by the province on a project-by-project basis.

The types of projects that typically need approvals from both levels of government include energy transmission lines that cross provincial boundaries, airports, marine terminals and ports, pipelines and some mining projects.

Houston also said he was excited about the prime minister’s recent announcements on defence spending.

On Thursday, Carney boarded a Royal Canadian Navy warship in Halifax harbour to announce $3 billion in new infrastructure and defence spending for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Carney said Nova Scotia would receive more than $2 billion to modernize infrastructure, expand training and build facilities for new warships and aircraft. Most of that money -- $1.2 billion -- will be used to modernize infrastructure at Canadian Forces Base Halifax.

In New Brunswick, more than $1 billion has been set aside to improve the massive army base in southern New Brunswick known as the Gagetown Range and Training Area.

By Michael MacDonald

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.