Feds won't appeal Alberta court ruling that Impact Assessment Act is unconstitutional

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin looks on as Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada Eleanor Olszewski speaks during a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

OTTAWA — The federal government says it won’t appeal a recent court decision which said Ottawa’s Impact Assessment Act is unconstitutional.

In October, the Alberta Court of Appeal said parts of the law still infringe on provincial jurisdiction, despite modifications made by Ottawa after the Supreme Court struck down much of the law in 2023.

A spokesperson for Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin tells The Canadian Press Ottawa will instead amend the act to account for the court ruling last month.

The Impact Assessment Act, also known as Bill C-69, has been staunchly opposed by oil and gas industry players and has been labelled the “no more pipelines act” by federal Conservatives and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has long called for the bill to be repealed.

Dabrusin’s office did not say when it will share details of the proposed changes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2026.

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press