Evaluating the regulatory review and approval process for major projects: A case study of the Mackenzie Gas Project

The proposed Mackenzie Gas Project (MGP) involves extraction and transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids from the Mackenzie Delta to northwestern Alberta, a distance of approximately 1,200 kilometres. This study evaluates the regulatory review and approval process for the MGP based on a set of 13 best practice principles. The evaluative framework in this report is drawn from best practice literature for environmental assessment developed by a number of Canadian and international authors, and is tailored to examine the regulatory review and approval process for northern projects. Results indicate that two of the best practice principles were fully met, three were largely met, seven were partially met and one was not met. Strengths of the process include methods used to clarify roles and responsibilities and the framework used to assess cumulative effects. Deficiencies include the lack of transparent decisions.