By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
The Saskatchewan government and the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) are welcoming proposed federal legislation they say could make it easier and faster to advance resource projects, including uranium and critical mineral projects in northern Saskatchewan.
Bill C-39, known as the Building Canada Strong Act, proposes changes aimed at streamlining federal project reviews through greater coordination, reduced duplication and more predictable regulatory timelines.
In response to questions from SaskToday, the Ministry of Energy and Resources said the province supports several aspects of the proposed legislation, particularly efforts to improve federal review processes for major resource projects.
“From a mining regulatory perspective in Saskatchewan, we appreciate the proposed changes to improve federal review and decision-making approval timelines, as well as the increased emphasis on coordination, concurrent permitting, eliminating duplication, and risk-based decision making,” the Ministry of Energy and Resources said.
The ministry said Saskatchewan supports an approach that would see the responsible authority lead project assessments rather than an integrated review panel.
For uranium projects, Saskatchewan views a proposed role for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) as a positive development.
“These proposed amendments to the IAA would also allow the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to lead assessments for designated uranium and nuclear projects. We view this as a logical step for uranium projects where a federal Impact Assessment would be required,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that, for projects requiring federal review, the bill’s focus on coordinated reviews, reduced duplication, greater certainty and predictable timelines is “a positive step in supporting future resource development.”
“Industry and government recognize that reducing regulatory duplication, timelines, and uncertainty is critical for advancing major resource projects,” the ministry said.
The proposed legislation would seek to address overlapping federal requirements involving impact assessments, fisheries, species-at-risk protections, permitting and consultation processes.
The ministry said proposed measures include coordinating federal reviews and permits, promoting concurrent assessment and permitting processes, creating a centralized consultation hub and introducing a one-year federal review and decision target once all required project information has been submitted.
While no Saskatchewan projects are currently undergoing a federal assessment, the ministry said several projects in earlier stages of development could benefit from the proposed changes.
“These could include the development of nuclear reactors in the province and metal mining and processing projects that meet federal thresholds,” the ministry said.
The province says more efficient review processes could support continued growth in the north, where mining remains one of the region’s major economic drivers.
“The Government of Saskatchewan believes that there is incredible potential in the province’s north which is demonstrated by the interest in new mining opportunities in particular,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, employment at northern mines exceeded 3,500 people in 2024, including contractors, marking the highest level since 2013.
The ministry noted those figures reflect only mines currently in commercial production and do not include projects under construction or those in advanced stages of development.
The ministry said northern mines have recruited approximately 39 per cent of their on-site workforce from northern residents and purchased more than $400 million in goods and services from northern suppliers.
“The need for new workers will increase opportunities for training and education, but an increase in employment with good-paying jobs will ensure that more dollars in wages are available to invest back into northern communities,” the ministry said.
“As new facilities open, there will be even greater benefits for the north.”
Some observers have raised questions about how accelerated approval timelines could affect Indigenous consultation and environmental oversight.
The ministry noted that Bill C-39 addresses federal consultation policies and that any concerns regarding federal consultation processes would need to be addressed by Ottawa.
“The provincial Consultation Policy Framework would apply where any major projects require a decision from the provincial government,” the ministry said.
On environmental protections, the ministry said Saskatchewan’s regulatory standards would remain unchanged.
“Saskatchewan has a strong regulatory framework in place to protect the environment. Furthermore, Bill C-39 does not change Saskatchewan’s regulatory requirements for northern project development,” the ministry said.
“The province will work with the federal government to support timely and predictable project reviews, while continuing to protect our environment.”
In a Sept. 28 statement, Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) president Pam Schwann said the association supports the legislation and believes it will strengthen Canada’s ability to attract investment and move resources to market more efficiently.
“Canada’s ability to attract investment, develop new resource projects, and reliably supply global markets depends on efficient regulatory processes, reliable and resilient supply chains, and modern transportation infrastructure,” Schwann said.
The Saskatchewan Mining Association, which represents more than 55 mining and mineral exploration companies, said Saskatchewan, as a landlocked resource-producing province, depends on strong transportation networks linking mines to domestic and international markets.
SMA said it supports measures intended to create more efficient and predictable approval processes while maintaining environmental, consultation and regulatory standards.
The organization also welcomed proposals aimed at improving transportation corridors and reducing supply-chain bottlenecks.
The Saskatchewan government said it is continuing to review the proposed legislation while advocating for greater reliance on provincial processes and more targeted federal assessments.
“Saskatchewan has consistently advocated for increased reliance on provincial processes and supports efforts to reduce duplication, improve coordination, and provide more predictable timelines,” the ministry said.
The ministry said it would also like to see better alignment of the federal Impact Assessment Act project list so reviews focus on developments with the potential for significant adverse effects within federal jurisdiction.
The ministry added that long-term success should be measured by the number of projects advancing, investment attracted, economic participation by local residents and industry sustainability performance.
“Northern Saskatchewan hosts globally significant uranium and critical mineral resources, and the Government of Saskatchewan is continuing to review the proposed legislation in detail to ensure the sustainable development of these resources remains a top priority.”