Nova ScotiaOmnibus legislation the Nova Scotia government introduced Wednesday will streamline the processes and regulations for the natural resources sector without coming at the expense of the environment, according to the provincial cabinet minister who tabled the bill.The changes are part of the 3rd omnibus bill tabled by the PCs this weekMichael Gorman · CBC News · Posted: Sep 24, 2025 4:43 PM EDT | Last Updated: 5 hours agoTim Halman is Nova Scotia’s environment minister and the minister responsible for service efficiency. (Robert Short/CBC)Omnibus legislation the Nova Scotia government introduced Wednesday will streamline the processes and regulations for the natural resources sector without coming at the expense of the environment, according to the provincial cabinet minister who tabled the bill.”It is not about eroding protections or taking shortcuts,” Environment Minister Tim Halman, who is also responsible for service efficiency, told reporters.”We can protect our environment and safely and responsibly develop our natural resources. It does not need to be one or the other. We can and we must do both.”The so-called Making Business Easier Act would modernize the permitting system across government, doing away with outdated processes, and update or remove outdated acts that no longer meet current needs, including the Margarine Act and Potato Industry Act.As part of the work, government experts reviewed the province’s approximately 300 permits and licences looking for improvements based on risk factors. About 150 are being changed through the government’s “fewer permits faster” project, while a handful of others that require legislative amendments are being dealt with in the bill.Creating a ‘single-window service’ for mining projectsBut the centrepiece of the bill relates to the process natural resource development projects must follow as they seek approval.Similar to changes announced earlier this year to the industrial approval process, the focus of the legislation is primarily on helping the mining sector, although officials said it could also have applications for the Agriculture and Fisheries and Aquaculture departments.The legislation would create a “single-window service” for mining, which would streamline the regulatory process by helping to co-ordinate requirements for approvals, permits and compliance measures. It would also allow the government to create an “efficiency team” that could help oversee application efforts and expedite decisions.Janice Zinck, the executive director for geosciences and mines for the Natural Resources Department, said the changes are in keeping with industry best practices and follow a similar approach introduced by the Environment Department aimed at assisting large industrial projects that must meet a variety of requirements before getting an approval.’Devil will be in the details’Opposition leaders said the proposed changes could be good, but they’ll wait to hear from people who come forward when the legislation reaches the committee on bills stage, where members of the public have the opportunity to comment on legislation.NDP Leader Claudia Chender said small businesses have also identified government paperwork and red tape as an inhibitor for their operations.”I think the move itself makes some sense,” she said.”It comes in another omnibus bill that we’re going to have very little time to debate and so the devil will be in the details.”Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette said he wants to ensure that community consultation remains a part of any regulatory system.ABOUT THE AUTHORMichael Gorman covers the Nova Scotia legislature for CBC, with additional focuses on health care and rural communities. Contact him with story ideas at michael.gorman@cbc.ca
N.S. looks to reduce red tape, streamline process for natural resource projects
