Impact Assessment Agency Response re: AWA’s concerns on the Co-operation Agreement between Alberta and Canada
April 27, 2026
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On March 12, 2026, AWA sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Terence Hubbard, President of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), regarding concerns on the Draft Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment between Alberta and Canada.
The final version of the Agreement was signed by both the provincial and federal governments on April 2, less than a week after the public engagement period officially ended. A single additional line was the outcome of the 21 days of public engagement. Over 70 percent of respondents expressed significant concerns about the Agreement, but those, along with AWA’s own, were not addressed.
On April 22, AWA received a letter from Mr. Hubbbard where he notes the following,
“You raise several important points in your letter regarding the reliability of Alberta’s environmental assessment processes, the importance of rigorous processes that reflect best available science and adequately address impacts under federal jurisdiction; the critical importance of meaningful Indigenous consultation and recognition of rights; and the need for continued federal oversight.
When IAAC shifts to implementation of the final agreement, we will require assurances that federal issues, including a consideration of adverse impacts on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, will be integrated in the provincial process in order to rely on that process. The federal government will remain at the table to support on these issues, and on related consultations.”
While AWA appreciates the response from the IAAC President, it does not address our stated concerns, only acknowledges them; the federal assurances Mr. Hubbard alludes to should have been made explicit in the final Agreement.